Honolulu,
HI,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MSc in Astronomy in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Hawaii at Manoa
|
Honolulu United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
33,648
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
Our MS program focuses on developing comprehensive astronomy expertise through both observational and theoretical methods,
Exploring diverse advanced topics in contemporary astronomy,
Engaging in substantial hands-on research, including mandatory supervised projects for all MS candidates,
Gaining experience in delivering presentations that review literature and present new findings.
The graduate astronomy curriculum centers on 600-level three-credit courses that establish a foundational knowledge base for specialization. PhD students entering with a Bachelor's typically complete at least six such courses, including ASTR 633 (Astrophysical Techniques). While most courses rotate biennially, ASTR 699DR (soon to be ASTR 601) and ASTR 635 are currently offered every Fall semester.
The program also features 700-level courses, primarily specialized seminars aligned with current Institute research. These flexible-credit offerings (1-3 credits) frequently evolve, with some taught by visiting scholars. Seven regular 700-level seminars - ASTR 740, 750, 758, 760, 777, 790 and 701 - are consistently available. Students must complete at least three credits from these advanced seminars.
While students typically enroll exclusively in astronomy courses, they may request permission from the graduate chair to substitute relevant courses from disciplines like physics, mathematics, or planetary geosciences, provided these fit within a structured academic plan.
Early research experience is invaluable in graduate astronomy education. The IfA program strongly emphasizes research engagement, even during initial coursework years. Students typically conduct this research as Directed Research (ASTR 699) under faculty supervision.
First-semester students must complete ASTR 699DR, a directed reading course examining current IfA research. In subsequent semesters, students undertake two significant research projects, often with different faculty advisors. The Graduate Research Oversight Group (GROG) helps select research topics, provides ongoing guidance during pre-thesis research, and evaluates written work and presentations. All 699 research projects adhere to a strict code of conduct.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.0
Qualification Requirements
GPA requirement: Students must satisfy the university's application criteria, which include a grade point average of at least 3.0 (or the equivalent) in undergraduate course work and in all postgraduate-level or graduate course work.
To be eligible, an applicant must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education.
All international applicants are required to submit one transcript or academic record from each institution of higher education attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Applicants may submit unofficial copies of transcripts while applying for admission. However, admitted students are required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll at UHM. Official transcripts or academic records must be sent to Graduate Division Student Services directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes if submitted with the application.
Applicants are required to submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Applicants may submit unofficial copies of transcripts while applying for admission. However, admitted students are required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll at UHM.
TOEFL iBT - Minimum score 61 TOEFL iBT
IELTS- Minimum score is 6.00 for the IELTS Academic overall band test results.
To be eligible, an applicant must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education.
All international applicants are required to submit one transcript or academic record from each institution of higher education attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Applicants may submit unofficial copies of transcripts while applying for admission. However, admitted students are required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll at UHM. Official transcripts or academic records must be sent to Graduate Division Student Services directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes if submitted with the application.
Applicants are required to submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Applicants may submit unofficial copies of transcripts while applying for admission. However, admitted students are required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll at UHM.
TOEFL iBT - Minimum score 61 TOEFL iBT
IELTS- Minimum score is 6.00 for the IELTS Academic overall band test results.
Tuition
USD
33,648