Troy,
NY,
United States
Type
Private
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MSc in Astronomy in Troy, NY United States | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
|
Troy, NY United States
Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology; answering fundamental questions and driving innovation. The study of astronomy contributes to technology, economy and society by constantly pushing for instruments, processes and software that are beyond our current capabilities.
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Qualification
Master's Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2026)
USD
64,400
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
18 months
Astronomy and its associated disciplines lead scientific and technological progress, addressing core questions and fostering breakthroughs. This field advances technology, economic growth, and societal development by continuously demanding cutting-edge instruments, methodologies, and software. To earn an M.S. in astronomy, students must complete 30 graduate credits beyond their bachelor's degree, with at least 21 credits from coursework. A minimum of 15 credits should be at the 6000 level or higher, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is required. Students must excel in graduate-level Physics courses such as Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, or Statistical Physics. They should also show proficiency in contemporary astronomy or astrophysics topics through coursework and demonstrate research capabilities via a project or thesis. Effective communication of ideas and findings, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences is essential.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Completion of the M.S. in astronomy requires 30 credits of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 21 credits in course work. At least 15 credits must be at the 6000 level or above. The cumulative GPA for all courses applied towards a master’s degree must be 3.0 or higher.
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
GRADUATE APPLICATION
Complete the online application for full- or part-time graduate degree programs.
Applicants may apply only to one degree program per term. Multiple applications for one term are not permitted.
NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE OF $75
The application processing fee must be paid electronically after submitting your application.
The application fee is waived for Rensselaer alumni, current Rensselaer students (matriculating and non-matriculating), employees, and employee spouses.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Your Personal Statement should address your academic and research interests, and future career goals as they relate to the graduate program to which you are applying. The statement should include relevant academic/research, professional, and personal experiences that influenced your decision to apply to the graduate program.
The Architectural Sciences, M.S., program with a concentration in Built Ecologies requires an additional and separate Research Proposal describing your research goals and academic plan. The Research Proposal should describe your intended area of research and its broader significance, explaining why this area of inquiry matters. The statement should also address how your research interests align with the work being conducted at CASE, referencing any specific CASE projects that have inspired you and how they connect to your proposed research.
RESUME OR CURRICULUM VITAE
Your resume should include details about your education, employment, and internship history, as well as any pertinent research experience. International students in the U.S. on OPT or CPT should include details about their current activities.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
You will be required to enter two recommenders on the online application. Recommendations should be from your academic advisor(s), professors, research mentors, etc., who can provide an assessment of your likelihood of success at the graduate level in your field of study.
PORTFOLIO, IF REQUIRED BY DEPARTMENT
Architecture, Built Ecologies, and Electronic Arts only.
Critical Game Design M.S./Ph.D. requires examples of prior work (e.g.: portfolio, project samples).
TRANSCRIPTS AND DEGREES
Transcripts and Degrees must be in English (all post-secondary education, including transcript keys).
Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your graduate application. The minimum requirement for admission consideration is the completion and award of a four year U.S. bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, by the time of planned enrollment.
GRE/GMAT SCORES
Required for Management, Ph.D.
Optional for all other degree programs. Strongly recommended for all Computer Science and Cognitive Science programs. The GRE Institution code is 2757.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (ONLY)
Applicants possessing a valid Green Card will be considered as a domestic student for purposes of admission and financial aid.
The TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.
Tuition
USD
64,400
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