PhD in Astronomy

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

29

Average Work Experience

4 Years

Diversity

Midwest:

20%

Others:

5%

International:

15%

Northeast:

25%

Southeast:

15%

West:

20%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

95%

Top recruiters

Genentech

Illinois Institute of Technology

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

European Space Agency

SpaceX

Tetra Tech

Texas Tech University

Canadian Space Agency

GKN Aerospace

Collins Aerospace

Headspace

Talkspace

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$56,000 / year

Overall Cost

$70,000 / year

FAQs

• When do students start doing research?

  

  We encourage students to become engaged in research as early as possible in their studies. Incoming students on University Fellowship support are especially encouraged to begin part-time research in their first year. To acquaint themselves with the research opportunities in the department, most new students work with one of the faculty during the summer of their first year of graduate study. (However, there is no requirement to do so.)

• When do students choose an advisor?

  

  Students may choose a thesis advisor and/or topic at any point in their first two years.

• Can students receive their Master's degree along the way?

  

  Yes, students may apply to receive a Master's degree en route to their PhD degree. This may be helpful on applications for outside funding.

• How long does it take students to complete the degree?

  

  The thesis must be defended by no later than the end of the student's ninth (9th) year at Northwestern.The median number of years to completion is five (5) years.