Astrophysical Sciences and Technology

The degree in astrophysics 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 obtain an astronomy degree and 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. RIT's astronomy degree has a multidisciplinary emphasis that sets it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.

RIT's Master's in Astrophysics

RIT's master's in astrophysics offers students a wide range of frontier research topics in areas including multi-wavelength astrophysics, instrumentation and detector technology, computational astrophysics and gravitational wave astronomy and numerical relativity. Our guiding principle is to provide an intellectually demanding program within an informal, student-centered and supportive environment.

At RIT, you have the flexibility to tailor your plan of study to emphasize astrophysics (including observational and theoretical astrophysics),computational and gravitational astrophysics (including numerical relativity, gravitational wave astronomy), or astronomical technology (including detector and instrumentation research and development).

Pursure 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.

RIT's astrophysics research areas include:

• Computational general relativity
• Gravitational wave astronomy
• Multi-messenger astrophysics
• Time domain astrophysics
• Experimental cosmology
• Supermassive black holes
• Active galaxie, galaxy evolution and galaxy clusters
• Proto-stars and proto-planetary disks
• Planetary nebulae
• Binary stars
• Stellar evolution
• Sub-orbital Astrophysics
• Next generation infrared detectors
• Zero read-noise detectors

Depending on research interests, you may participate in one of three research centers at RIT: the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (Video), the Center for Detectors or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics.

Master's in Astrophysics Degree: What You'll Study

A degree in astrophysics at RIT consists of four core courses, two to four elective courses, two semesters of graduate seminar, and a research project culminating in a thesis.

During the first year, you will begin a research project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. 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.

Careers for Master's in Astrophysics

Alumni of our programs most often work in research positions or education programs ranging from K-12 to higher education. Alumni also are successful in computing, information technology, federal government, and imaging technology.

As a standalone research degree, the MS is a qualification for positions in data analysis or an entry into numerous other careers ranging from education to federal government. The MS also provides a stepping stone to a Ph.D.

MS to Ph.D. Transfer

For those who want to pursue a career in research, the Ph.D. provides an essential qualification. It opens the door to positions such as a university professor or staff scientist in institutions such as NASA, and to many other careers in STEM requiring analytical capabilities.

Students in the MS degree program who have excelled in their course work and research project may be permitted, by program approval, to transition into the doctoral degree in astrophysical sciences and technology, with the MS thesis defense serving as the Ph.D. qualifying examination. Such a transition from MS to Ph.D. is contingent on the availability of an advisor and research funding.

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