Graduate Programs

Graduate Degrees Offered

The University of Alabama Department of Physics and Astronomy offers programs of study leading to M.S. and PhD degrees in physics specializing in extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics. Graduate students in the astronomy program within the department take courses in physics, as well as astronomy, ensuring the broad background necessary to understand and participate in modern astronomical research.

Our group includes seven astronomy faculty members as well as adjunct faculty and graduate students. All our faculty members are involved in both teaching and research, with research interests ranging from stars to galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and quasars. For more details, see the list of our faculty and their research interests.

Students in our department have ample opportunity for interaction with students and faculty outside of class. Besides Wednesday Research Colloquia by departmental and visiting faculty, astronomy students and faculty meet on Friday afternoons during the semester to hear and give talks on research in astronomy. As a public service, students and faculty also give popular talks and host observing sessions at the University Observatory

Complete information about our graduate programs, including course descriptions and degree requirements, can be found in the UA Graduate Catalog.