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8 PhD Programs in Astronomy 2024

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    PhD Programs in Astronomy

    After completing a bachelor's or master's degree, you can choose to continue studying for a PhD, also called a Doctor of Philosophy. This degree usually takes at least four years to complete, and certain subjects may take a few years longer.

    What is a PhD in Astronomy? Astronomy is a branch of the natural sciences that focuses on celestial bodies. Some subbranches include stellar formation and history, cosmic interactions, exoplanets, observational astronomy and theoretical astronomy. Some programs focus on near objects, such as those in our local solar system, while others focus on bodies further away. The research in this program drives you toward the presentation and defense of a thesis.

    Learning graduate-level astronomy can provide life skills you will use every day, such as organization, attention to detail and fine motor skills. When you are organized, you can save yourself time. Spotting and manipulating fine details can help you with small material problems or if you have a craft-driven hobby.

    Some factors that influence the cost of a PhD are school size and location. These costs include books, tuition, food, lodging and other fees. If you contact schools you are interested in now, you may find out more about their particular costs.

    The career you pursue with an astronomy PhD depends on whether you focused on applied or theoretical astronomy. Both fields have jobs in academia and research, but if you want something specific, then split your search based on your degree. For example, applied jobs include observatory program manager, assessment specialist, systems engineer and scientific software developer and researcher. Theoretical jobs are usually more research-oriented, as astronomers and astrophysics working at labs and observatories.

    You can look at the stars anywhere, so why not pick the school that is best for your scholastic and career goals? Online coursework can be completed anywhere. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.