Master of Arts in Astronomy
Wesleyan offers one of the country’s only stand-alone Master of Arts programs in astronomy. Designed for flexibility and merging coursework with research, the MA prepares graduates for PhD programs, careers in data science, education, public outreach, and more.
The Astronomy MA program blends coursework with research opportunities, providing students access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and computers to investigate areas of current astronomical interest. Primary research activities in the Astronomy department include mapping the local interstellar medium, probing the atmospheres of extrasolar planets, observations of young stars and circumstellar disks, investigations of x-ray binary star systems, and studies of the massive black holes that reside at the centers of galaxies.
Program Requirements
All degree-seeking graduate students are required to register for at least one credit per semester that they are enrolled. Additional MA requirements include:
- 10 credits of coursework in astronomy and related subjects (not including seminars)
- Successful completion of a qualifying exam featuring a written and oral component to demonstrate a broad understanding of astronomy, fundamental physics, and mathematics before the last year of study
- The written completion and successful defense of a research project in collaboration with a faculty member
In addition to the curriculum, all MA students are required to participate in the department’s seminars on research and pedagogy in astronomy, which are offered each semester.
At a Glance
Degree
Master of Arts
Duration
Full Time
Number of Credits
14
Format
On Campus
Sample Course Schedule
Create a personalized curriculum that best meets your academic needs and intellectual pursuits. Courses progress throughout each semester to refine your technical skills and research capabilities and prepare you to achieve your post-graduation goals.
You must enroll in one of our advanced astronomy courses each semester, giving you the opportunity to:
- Focus on observational techniques employed in optical and x-ray bands in Modern Observational Techniques (ASTR522) or explore the theory and practice of Radio Astronomy (ASTR540)
- Apply the fundamentals of astrophysics and numerical techniques to galaxy evolution with Galactic Structure and Formation (ASTR521)
- Focus on the fundamentals of exoplanets based on astronomical observables in Exoplanets: Formation, Detection, and Characterization (ASTR524)
- Learn the theory of stellar structure and examine its key results with Stellar Structure and Evolution (ASTR531)
- Blend established practices in the field and important recent discoveries in modern extragalactic astronomy with Galaxies, Quasars, and Cosmology (ASTR532)
Seminar Courses
Graduate students are also required to enroll in our departmental lunchtime seminar courses each semester to build community and foster connections within our department. These low-workload, 0.25-credit courses do not count toward total credits for the MA degree. Courses typically require a single presentation, weekly participation, and possibly light reading and writing assignments. Courses include:
- Seminar on Astronomical Pedagogy in the fall (ASTR430)
- Research Discussions in Astronomy in the spring (ASTR431)
Teaching Assistants
In addition to completing coursework, all MA students work as teaching assistants each semester. Typically, first-semester students are asked to work as teaching assistants for Introduction to Astrophysics (ASTR155). This is an excellent overview of the most important topics in modern astrophysics and is an important learning experience that can help prepare MA students for the qualifying exam.
The average weekly commitment is approximately 10 hours; however, some weeks may be heavier than others, and occasionally, a heavy teaching assistant time commitment in one semester might be balanced by a lighter teaching assistant workload in an adjacent semester.
One common responsibility of teaching assistants is to run observing nights for the introductory classes using the Van Vleck Observatory's suite of telescopes. Training on these telescopes is provided early in the fall semester.
After planning for your four advanced astronomy courses (four total credits) and thesis courses (two total credits), you may choose an additional four courses (four credits) to round out your academic preparation. These courses are typically taken in physics, mathematics, computer science, and Earth and environmental science. We encourage you to take these courses in your first year so you can focus on research in your second year. You must enroll in the graduate research credit associated with your thesis (e.g., ASTR549/550 Advanced Research Seminar, Grad) in your final year.
Opportunities and Resources
Research
Astronomy research at Wesleyan is your chance to go beyond the classroom and become part of real-world discovery. You'll collaborate closely with faculty mentors, design your own projects, and directly contribute to groundbreaking work.
Teaching Assistant Opportunities
As a teaching assistant, you'll sharpen your skills and build strong connections with astronomy faculty and peers. A key requirement for MA students each semester, this role offers hands-on experience in grading assignments, leading office hours, supporting classroom activities, and facilitating exciting nighttime events at the Van Vleck Observatory—creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, growth, and networking.
Career Opportunities
Many graduates pursue advanced degrees and groundbreaking research, work on global observatory projects, pursue technical careers, or share their passion through education and public outreach. Others thrive in filmmaking, medical imaging, journalism, and more, building versatile, real-world skills in analytical thinking, technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and effective communication through interdisciplinary education.
As a teaching assistant, you'll sharpen your skills and build strong connections with astronomy faculty and peers. A key requirement for MA students each semester, this role offers hands-on experience in grading assignments, leading office hours, supporting classroom activities, and facilitating exciting nighttime events at the Van Vleck Observatory—creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, growth, and networking.Kristen Luchsinger ’17, Research Affiliate, SETI Institute
