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The Master of Science (MS) in Astronomy offers students an in-depth graduate education covering key aspects of the discipline. Learners can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, guided by renowned faculty at the Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, while gaining substantial research exposure. Specializations span diverse areas such as astronomical instrumentation, theoretical and observational cosmology, galaxy formation, supermassive black holes, stellar population studies, and extragalactic distance measurements.
Our distinguished faculty features two Nobel laureates and three National Academy of Science members. Graduates embark on varied career paths in both academic and professional sectors. The department provides multiple degree pathways including Physics (M.S., Ph.D.), Applied Physics (Ph.D.), and Astronomy (M.S., Ph.D.), catering to diverse academic interests. The Fast-Track Research Program enables students with existing Master's degrees to concentrate on advanced coursework before dedicating themselves to Ph.D. research. Virtually all graduate students receive full financial support through teaching or research positions. Texas A&M additionally provides merit-based and diversity scholarships. Ph.D. candidates typically complete their degrees within six years. Explore our website to discover how we can help shape your academic and professional journey.
You are an international graduate applicant if you:
are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (or applicant for permanent residency)
AND
you have not graduated from a Texas high school after three years in residence in Texas
AND
hold a bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent)
English proficiency can also be demonstrated by:
Minimum TOEFL i-BT score of 80 (in person or Home Edition) from a test date within two years (Texas A&M University does not accept the MyBest TOEFL score), or
Minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5, or
Minimum IELTS Academic test score of 6.0 overall band (Texas A&M University does not accept the IELTS General test), or
GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146 (subject to departmental approval), or
GMAT Verbal Score of at least 22 (subject to departmental approval), or
Acquiring alternative verification during the admission process from the Graduate and Professional School via a departmental request.