Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 41,424 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $41,424 - $54,974 | based on credits taken
Key Summary
About: The MS in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology offers tracks in observational or theoretical astrophysics, computational and gravitational astrophysics, or astronomical technology. Research covers detector design, multiwavelength studies, gravitational-wave data analysis, and computational modeling of galaxies and compact objects. You'll join the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, the Center for Detectors, or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics. The program emphasizes physics, instrumentation, data analysis and simulation for research and technical careers.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in aerospace, defense, government, academia, research, consulting, internet, software and detector companies, taking roles as scientists, engineers, data scientists and observatory or teaching staff.
Students may tailor their programs of study to emphasize Astrophysics (including Observational and Theoretical Astrophysics), Computational and Gravitational Astrophysics (including Numerical Relativity, Gravitational Wave Astronomy), and Astronomical Technology (including detector and instrumentation research and development). Students can pursue research interests in a wide range of topics, including design and development of novel detectors, multiwavelength studies of proto-stars, active galactic nuclei and galaxy clusters, gravitational wave data analysis, and theoretical and computational modeling of astrophysical systems including galaxies and compact objects such as binary black holes. Depending on research interests, students may participate in one of three research centers: the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (Video), the Center for Detectors, or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics.
The astrophysics degree focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the Earth, and on the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field.
There has never been a more exciting time to study the universe beyond the confines of the Earth. A new generation of advanced ground-based and space-borne telescopes and enormous increases in computing power are enabling a golden age of astrophysics. The MS program in astrophysical sciences and technology focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the Earth, and on the development of the technologies, instruments, data analysis, and modeling techniques that will enable the next major strides in the field. The program's multidisciplinary emphasis sets it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.
The MS program comprises a minimum of 30 credit hours of study. The curriculum consists of four core courses, two to four elective courses, two semesters of graduate seminar, and a research project culminating in a thesis.
Master's thesis
During the first year, most students begin a research project under the guidance of a faculty research adviser. Focus on the project becomes more significant during the second year after the core courses have been completed. A thesis committee is appointed by the program director and oversees the final defense of the thesis, which consists of a public oral presentation by the student, followed by a closed-door examination by the committee. Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- ASTP-601 Graduate Seminar I
- ASTP-602 Graduate Seminar II
- ASTP-608 Fundamental Astrophysics I
- ASTP-609 Fundamental Astrophysics II
Choose one of the following:
- ASTP-613 Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation
- Elective
Choose one of the following:
- ASTP-610 Mathematical Methods for the Astrophysical Sciences
- Elective
- ASTP-790 Research & Thesis
Second Year
Choose one of the following:
- ASTP-613 Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation
- Elective
Choose one of the following:
- ASTP-610 Mathematical Methods for the Astrophysical Sciences
- Elective
- ASTP-790 Research & Thesis
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 5% of tuition all the way up to full tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
RIT awards more than $30 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Our median scholarship amount is around 30% of tuition or $13,000. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op
Cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study
Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available yearly, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
Industries
- Aerospace
- Government (Local, State, Federal)
- Scientific and Technical Consulting
- Higher Education
- Defense
- Internet and Software
- Research
- Other Industries
Most of our programs offer "rolling" application review - there is no specific deadline for applications; applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year.