Graduate Program
Source: https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/graduate-program Parent: https://astronomy.fas.harvard.edu/undergraduate-program
Astronomy Department graduate students (September 2022)
The Department of Astronomy offers a rich and varied program in theoretical, observational and experimental graduate work leading to the PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Students are not accepted for a separate master's degree program. Research is carried out at the Harvard College Observatory, which shares buildings and general facilities with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Together the two observatories constitute the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard-Smithsonian—a large and diverse research setting which provides opportunities in nearly every branch of astrophysical work, from atomic physics to cosmology, using the full range of techniques from gamma ray detectors through radio antennas. Follow these links to learn more about facilities and .
Over 360 PhD scientists are engaged in work at the Center for Astrophysics (CfA), providing students with an unusually wide choice of thesis topics and stimulating opportunities for both formal and informal learning through courses and seminars. Graduate students at Harvard benefit from this diverse environment, have access to extensive facilities, and pursue their work in a supportive and stimulating setting. We hold ourselves accountable to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment for all students, as outlined in our Graduate Student Community Values.
The program of graduate study is designed to make Harvard PhD students first-rate researchers with a broad knowledge of astrophysics and competence in teaching. To do this, we have constructed an advising program and a set of requirements to help students develop their astrophysical understanding, and to carry through a successful thesis in a timely way.
The Director of Graduate Studies and the Committee on Academic Studies are in charge of the graduate program.
Spotlight:
Shelley Cheng
Shelley Cheng is a Peirce Fellowship PhD student working with Charlie Conroy on star formation in quasar accretion disks. She is originally from Sydney, Australia and completed her Bachelor's of Science in Physics at UCLA in June 2020. She has worked with Smadar Naoz and Michael Fitzgerald at UCLA on triple-body dynamics and exoplanets, and Jim Fuller at Caltech on asteroseismology. She mentors undergraduate students as part of Harvard University's WiSTEM Mentorship Program and served as a volunteer mentor for The Women+ of Color Project.