Astrophysics is the study of the universe’s origin, evolution, solar systems, and celestial objects. This is a highly-specialized field, and a master’s in astrophysics is the minimum qualification for many roles in the sector. Some employers even demand a PhD.
In fact, many of the best astrophysics graduate programs are not stand-alone; rather, they’re integrated with PhD programs. Many programs make it mandatory to pursue a PhD once you have your master’s, while some allow you to complete your studies with just a master’s degree. We’ve included both types of astrophysics/astronomy master’s programs below.
The Best Master’s in Astrophysics Programs
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin Madison is a pioneer in astronomical observation, partnering in important projects such as the WIYN telescope, SALT, Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV, ASKAP, and MEERKAT. Rather than a stand-alone master’s, this program is designed as a precursor to a PhD in astrophysics. However, students can receive a terminal master’s degree if they complete a master’s thesis and have it approved by the faculty advisor.
You might be able to study some of this school’s astronomy master’s online!
- Courses: Techniques of modern observational astrophysics, stellar interiors & evolution, and observational cosmology.
- Credits: 34
- Tuition: $773.55 per credit
- Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, loans, grants, and student jobs.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 57.2%
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Arizona, College of Science
MS in Astronomy and Astrophysics
The University of Arizona is a famous name in the Astronomy field, home to the famous Steward Observatory and a renowned Department of Astronomy. You can only obtain this master’s degree as part of a PhD program. The program emphasizes active research and you can meet with a range of research groups before deciding which one to join.
- Courses: Interstellar medium & star formation, structure & dynamics of galaxies, and modern astronomical optics.
- Credits: 33
- Tuition: $882 per unit
- Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 85.1%
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
Lehigh University, College of Arts and Sciences
Lehigh is also a well-known name in Astrophysics research. Its researchers have taken part in a range of important projects, including the KELT Exoplanet Survey, LSST, NASA K2 & TESS missions, and WFIRST. This is another astrophysics master’s program that closely integrates with a PhD. Students can either finish a terminal master’s by completing a research project or thesis, or proceed to earn their PhD.
- Courses: High-energy astrophysics, relativity & cosmology, and plasma physics.
- Credits: 30
- Tuition: $1,500 per credit hour
- Financial aid: Teaching assistantships, grants, and scholarships.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 49.5%
- Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Rice University, Wiess School of Natural Sciences
Rice University has a long-standing relationship with NASA and the national space program, including 50 years of collaboration with the Johnson Space Center. In this integrated MS and PhD program, students will receive a non-thesis-based master’s certificate in astrophysics or physics, but will have to complete their PhD.
- Courses: Astrophysics of the sun, introduction to plasma physics, and nebular astrophysics.
- Credits: 30 semester hours
- Tuition: $2,893 per credit
- Financial aid: Fellowships, scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, loans, and grants.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 10.9%
- Location: Houston, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin, College of Natural Sciences
The Department of Astronomy of the University of Texas at Austin works closely with the McDonald Observatory. This is highly beneficial for students, who get to spend a quarter of their nights working with the facility’s sophisticated research telescopes. The university offers an MS as part of its PhD program. You can choose to complete your studies with a master’s, or continue on to a PhD.
- Courses: Theoretical astrophysics, stellar atmospheres, and observing techniques in astronomy.
- Credits: 9 courses
- Tuition: $1,248 per credit hour
- Financial aid: Scholarships, awards, and travel & research support.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 32%
- Location: Austin, Texas
University of California Los Angeles, College of Letters and Science
Graduate Program: Astronomy and Astrophysics
UCLA’s Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics has gained international recognition for its cutting-edge research. Students pursuing this program get to work with the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, along with a range of other observational facilities. Note that this master’s degree is not terminal and all students have to pursue a PhD.
- Courses: Nature of the universe, introduction to galactic astronomy, and astrophysical dynamics.
- Credits: 48 units
- Tuition: $3,900 per term
- Financial aid: Loans, work-study, teaching assistantships, fellowships, grants, and graduate research.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 14.3%
- Location: Los Angeles, California
The University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Master of Science in Astronomy
The University of Illinois is a renowned land-grant and public Ivy university. As part of this master’s program, students use the university’s advanced, ground-based and space-based facilities, including DES (Dark Energy Survey) and SPT (South Pole Telescope) for their research.
- Courses: Astrophysical dynamics, observational astronomy, and computational astrophysics.
- Credits: 32 hours
- Tuition: $2,240 per credit
- Financial aid: Graduate assistantships, federal work-study, waivers, fellowships, loans, grants, and scholarships.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 63.3%
- Location: Urbana, Illinois
Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Physics and Astronomy
Master of Science in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology is a leader in cooperative education and internships, offering students the opportunity to get full-time paid work experience. This interdisciplinary master’s program allows students to perform research in Astrophysics and related fields, working with three major research centers: The Center for Computational Relativity & Gravitation, the Laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics, and the Center for Detectors.
- Courses: Fundamental astrophysics, advanced statistical methods for astrophysics, and astronomical observational techniques & instrumentation.
- Credits: 30 semester credit hours
- Duration: 2 years
- Tuition: $2,257 per credit hour
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and awards.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 73.9%
- Location: Rochester, New York
Texas A&M University, Michelle Institute of Fundamental Physics and Astronomy
Master of Science in Astronomy
Texas A&M is a public land grant and senior military university. Its Master of Science in Astronomy program offers two tracks, Astrophysics and Astrostatistics, and you can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option.
- Courses: Extragalactic astronomy, astronomical observing techniques & instrumentation, and radiative transfer.
- Credits: 32 semester credit hours
- Tuition: Refer tuition calculator
- Financial aid: Teaching and research assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, awards, and loans.
- Delivery: On-campus
- Acceptance rate: 63.3%
- Location: College Station, Texas
Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space Exploration
MS in Astrophysics and Astronomy
ASU has been named the most innovative university in the nation by the US & News Report for seven consecutive years. Its School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) seeks to break the traditional boundaries between disciplines and bring all sciences related to earth and space under one roof. In this MS program, students can work with world-renowned faculty on projects funded by NASA and NSF.
Courses: Exploring SESE research, stars and interstellar medium, and galaxies and cosmology.
Credits: 30
Tuition: $12,014 per academic year
Financial aid: Research and teaching assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
Delivery: On-campus
Acceptance rate: 88.4%
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Astrophysics Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
It’s important to check the exact requirements for any program you’re interested in, as they vary depending on the university.
Here are some typical requirements for admission to a master’s degree in astrophysics:
- A bachelor’s degree in physics or a related field
- Academic resume
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (usually two or three)
- A statement of purpose or personal essay demonstrating your research areas of interest
You may also need to submit:
- GRE scores
- An English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar) for non-native English speakers
How Much is the Tuition for an Astrophysics Master’s Program?
The tuition for astrophysics graduate programs can vary based on various factors. However, the average tuition for public institutions is $9,815, and that for private institutions is $53,125, according to DataUSA. The tuition rates for most of the best master’s in astrophysics programs listed above range between $12,000 and $35,000 per year.
Different Kinds of Master’s in Astrophysics Programs
Astrophysics-related master’s programs are usually available as a master’s in astrophysics or a master’s in astronomy. However, programs may offer different tracks or concentrations, such as theoretical astrophysics, observational astrophysics, cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, nebular astrophysics, and high-energy astrophysics.
How Important is Accreditation When It Comes to Astrophysics Master’s Degrees?
When choosing a master’s in astrophysics program, make sure it is fully accredited. Employers look for accredited qualifications and your eligibility for federal financial support may also be affected if you choose an unaccredited program. Improper accreditation can also impact future study opportunities, such as a PhD in astrophysics.
Why Get an Astrophysics Master’s Degree?
An astrophysics master’s degree will allow you to develop in-depth knowledge in subjects like physics and mathematics. These programs will also equip you with high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This will allow you to build a successful career not only in the field of astrophysics, but also in a range of other sectors.
Jobs and Salaries for Master’s in Astrophysics Degree Holders
With a master’s in astrophysics, you’ll be eligible for a range of practical and research-based roles not only in the field of astrophysics and astronomy, but also in related sectors.
Here are some of the common roles and average salaries for Astrophysicists:
- Astrophysicist ($95,169)
- Astronomer ($91,557)
- Aerospace Systems Engineer ($83,377)
- Associate Data Scientist ($80,262)
- Data Scientist ($97,483)
Key Takeaways
A master’s in astrophysics degree will help you develop the skills, knowledge, and capabilities necessary to conduct sophisticated research in this specialized field. With such a valuable range of skills, you’ll not only be eligible to work as an Astrophysicist or Astronomer researching the celestial world, but you could also work in a range of roles, including as an Aerospace Systems Engineer, Data Scientist, or Software Systems Manager.
Whichever path you choose, a qualification in Astrophysics will help you secure a top-paying role in today’s competitive job market.
Want to discover more of the best master’s programs? Check out our guides to the best online master’s degrees, the cheapest online master’s, and the best free online master’s degrees.
Master’s in Astrophysics FAQs
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Is there a Master’s in Astrophysics?
Yes. Many universities offer astrophysics master’s programs. However, many of the best schools do not offer terminal degrees in this field. Instead, you’ll need to study your master’s as part of a PhD program.
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How Many Years Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Astrophysics?
A master’s degree in astrophysics typically takes around two years to complete. However, this can vary depending on the program and other factors. For example, if you choose to study part-time, you may take three to five years to earn your master’s.
Also, keep in mind that many master’s in astrophysics programs are integrated with a PhD. And, the total time to complete both a master’s and PhD is 5-8 years.
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Is Astrophysicist a Good Career?
The unemployment rate among professionals with an astrophysics qualification is the lowest in the nation. Additionally, the average salary for astrophysicists is $95,169, making this one of the highest-paying master’s degrees.
Moreover, since astrophysicists have a strong base in physics, data, and mathematics, they also have the option to work in many other well-paid roles in related fields. Some lucrative career options include data scientist or systems engineer.
Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
