PhD in Astrophysical Sciences - Cosmology in Princeton United States | Princeton University

The Department of Astrophysical Sciences provides specialized education in astrophysics at an advanced level. Faculty members and researchers in the department lead groundbreaking studies across theoretical and computational astrophysics, astronomical observations, large-scale surveys, and instrument development (including both hardware and software systems). Modern astronomy's remarkable findings continually test humanity's comprehension of the most extensive physical phenomena. The graduate curriculum in Astrophysical Sciences equips students for professional paths in astrophysics by blending coursework with hands-on research involvement from early stages, ultimately leading to innovative thesis projects.
Princeton maintains a distinguished legacy in cosmological research, spanning observational, computational, and theoretical approaches across Physics, Astronomy, and the IAS. Princeton scholars played pivotal roles in shaping the current cosmological framework (Bahcall, Dunkley, Gott, J. Ostriker, Spergel, Steinhardt, Zaldarriaga) and contributed fundamental concepts including dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic inflation. Paul Steinhardt (physics) not only significantly advanced inflationary theory but has more recently pioneered its leading alternative: the ekpyrotic universe model. Princeton researchers explore varied theoretical cosmology challenges: temporal anomalies (Gott), cosmic structure topology (Gott), universe geometry (Spergel), galactic formation and large-scale cosmic evolution (Bahcall, J. Ostriker), galaxy clusters as cosmological probes (Bahcall, J. Ostriker), dark matter distribution (Bahcall, J. Ostriker), primordial universe anomalies (Spergel, Zaldarriaga), star system formation, and intergalactic medium physics (Bahcall, J. Ostriker).