PhD in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University

United States of America, Flagstaff

University Rank:#1001

Duration24 month(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 25,708 / Year

Apply DateDecember 1, 2026

Next IntakeAugust 23, 2026

Astronomy and Planetary Science

International students can study the Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University at its main campus in Flagstaff , United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 23, 2026.

About Astronomy and Planetary Science

Overview Purpose StatementThe Astronomy and Planetary Sciences program of the Northern Arizona University leverages state-of-the-art resources found in Arizona, and especially one of a kind facilities near Flagstaff, to deliver a unique and distinct graduate education that cannot be found in Arizona’s other state universities. The Department of Physics and Astronomy will partner with Lowell Observatory, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center, United States Naval Observatory, and the Naval Research Laboratory, as well as the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) and the Naval Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI), all in or near Flagstaff. This program also capitalizes on the wide range of nearby geologic environments (including Meteor Crater) to enable terrestrial and analog planetary science investigations. I want to find another Phd Course Students will build skills and knowledge through formal class work and an original research project. Core coursework will focus on the development of essential skills PhD astronomers and planetary scientists need upon entering the workforce in an academic or industrial setting (instrument design and fabrication, optical design, computational approaches, big data, remote sensing, and/or techniques of observational astronomy).These courses will focus on advanced topics in astronomy and planetary science that students need for a solid foundation upon which to build their own postdoctoral research (formation and evolution of solar systems, atmospheres, interiors, and surfaces of planetary bodies, astro-chemistry, exoplanet science, and other topics). In addition, students will perform their own original research, write a dissertation, and make an oral, public presentation of their results. In the original research component, students will learn how to collect and analyze data, write up their results, and communicate their results to others in a manner consistent with professional standards in the astronomical and planetary science communities.

The Astronomy and Planetary Sciences program of the Northern Arizona University is designed to provide students with a broad technical understanding of the dominant physical, chemical, and geological processes that control stellar and planetary systems while requiring students to have and present detailed mastery of their specific research topic within the field of astronomy and planetary science.

Disciplines

ChemistryPhysicsAstronomy & Space Sciences

Requirements

Academic Requirements

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Other Requirements

1NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs.Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institutionGrade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.TranscriptsEnglish language proficiency

Fee Information

Astronomy and Planetary Science

Northern Arizona University

United States of America, Flagstaff