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.

• This is a multidisciplinary program administered by the School of Physics and Astronomy, in collaboration with the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, setting it apart from conventional astrophysics graduate programs at traditional research universities.
• Participate in one of three research centers associated with the School of Physics and Astronomy: the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, the Center for Detectors, or the Laboratory for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics.
• Graduates of the program have secured roles at the Dudley Observatory at the Museum of Innovation & Science, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, in higher education institutions, among others.

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 astrophysics research areas include:

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

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
ASTP-601    Graduate Seminar I    1
ASTP-602    Graduate Seminar II    1
ASTP-608    Fundamental Astrophysics I    3
ASTP-609    Fundamental Astrophysics II    3
ASTP-610    Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Astrophysics    3
ASTP-613    Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation    3
ASTP-790    Research & Thesis    4
Second Year
     
Electives
6
ASTP-790    Research & Thesis    6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Electives
Course
ASTP-612    Mathematical and Statistical Methods for Astrophysics
ASTP-613    Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation
ASTP-618    
Fundamentals of Theoretical Astrophysics I
ASTP-619    
Fundamentals of Theoretical Astrophysics II
ASTP-660    Introduction to Relativity and Gravitation
ASTP-711    
Advanced Statistical Methods for Astrophysics
ASTP-720    Computational Methods for Astrophysics
ASTP-730    Stellar Atmospheres & Evolution
ASTP-740    Galactic Astrophysics
ASTP-750    Extragalactic Astrophysics
ASTP-835    High-Energy Astrophysics
ASTP-841    The Interstellar Medium
ASTP-851    Cosmology
ASTP-861    Advanced Relativity and Gravitation
IMGS-628    Design and Fabrication of Solid State Cameras
IMGS-639    Principles of Solid State Imaging Arrays
IMGS-642    Testing of Focal Plane Arrays
PHYS-611    Classical Electrodynamics I
PHYS-612    Classical Electrodynamics II
 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in astrophysical sciences and technology, a candidate must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (or equivalent) in course work in mathematical, science, engineering, and computing subject areas.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000