Graduate Program

The Astronomy Department at Wesleyan University offers a course of study leading to a master's degree. It includes physics, math and astronomy courses tailored to the needs of the individual as well as a master's thesis. We are particularly interested in promising students who, often owing to a late start with physics, find themselves unprepared for admission to an astronomy PhD program. Students who desire additional background in astronomy to support a career in teaching or research support may also benefit from our program. We encourage applications from women and minorities as these populations are underrepresented in the physical sciences.

The research interests of the current faculty are: Dr. William Herbst--star formation, Dr. Ed Moran--extragalactic X-ray sources and X-ray background, Dr. Seth Redfield--exoplanets and the interstellar medium, and Dr. Roy Kilgard--high-mass X-ray binary populations and statistical challenges in X-ray astrophysics.

The department is well equipped for instruction and research. Facilities include a network of Sun and MacOS X workstations, a CCD attached to a 24-inch reflector , a 20-inch refractor equipped for observational work, and the substantial astronomical library of the Van Vleck Observatory . We are also part of the consortium of institutions that use and operate the WIYN 0.9m telescope,

Graduate students are generally supported with full year stipends (currently about $19,664 per year), plus they receive a full tuition waiver. Most of our students gain valuable teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants for at least part of the time they are here. Some research assistantships are also available. Each MA student can create a personalized curriculum that best matches their academic needs. This usually includes a combination of upper level astronomy and physics courses, plus a strong component of hands-on research.

Applications for admission to the graduate program must be received by March 1 to be considered for acceptance in September.

Graduate teaching and research assistantships may be available. Submission of results from the GRE General Test is required as part of the application process. Results of the Physics Subject Test are not required but are encouraged. Further information may be obtained by contacting the department chair Dr. Edward Moran. You may also want to visit the Wesleyan University Graduate Student Services site.

Detailed instructions for completing the application can be found here: http://www.wesleyan.edu/astro/gradappinst.html

You can access the on-line application form at http://www.wesleyan.edu/grad/DeptsPrograms/application.html