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Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences

Graduate students make extensive use of such research facilities as the Apache Point 3.5m telescope, NASA space missions, the Sommers-Bausch Observatory, and the Southwest Research Institute. They collaborate closely with such CU-Boulder research institutes as the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA), Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), and JILA in Boulder. Related areas of study are physics, geology, program in atmospheric and oceanic sciences (PAOS).

Degrees Offered:

  • PhD
Degree Details: 
PhD
Requires 39 semester hours of graduate work, including 4 hours of graduate seminar, an additional 30 hours of dissertation credit (all with grades B or above), plus a demonstrated ability to do original research. We require a comprehensive examination of math, physics, astrophysics or planetary science, and a scientific research project. A grasp of the student’s particular area of research is required, as is the dissertation and successful defense.
Admissions Requirements: 
  1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00.
  3. Submit two copies of official transcripts.
  4. Submit three letters of recommendation;
  5. Submit General GRE and Physics Subject GRE.
  6. Upload the Supplemental Information Form with your application

There is no pre-application, but we strongly urge all applicants to have a strong physics and mathematics background, as well as a strong GPA, and strong GRE scores.

GRE Scores: 
GRE minimum scores of verbal 75 percent, quantitative 85 percent, analytical 75 percent. Advanced GRE minimum score approximately 40 percent.
Financial Support: 

Financial support is available to all incoming students through teaching or research assistantships. Fellowships are also available upon acceptance.

Fall Domestic Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Fall International Application Deadline: 
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Contact Information: 

University of Colorado Boulder 
Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Duane Physics E-226
391 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0391
Phone: 303-492-8914
Fax: 303-492-3822

 
Website: 
aps.colorado.edu
Email: 
apsgradsec@colorado.edu
Where To Send Your Materials: 

Application Mailing Instructions

Domestic Applicants:

Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Transcripts must be official copies and should include ALL post-secondary academic work completed to date, including courses appearing as transfer credit on other transcripts, credits earned in study abroad programs, and courses taken for college credit while in high school. Copies of transcripts mailed in unsealed envelopes and sent directly by applicants are NOT official transcripts.

For standard international mail or mail within the US, including USPS Priority and Express:

Graduate Admissions
University of Colorado Boulder
3100 Marine St Suite A122
553 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0553 USA

For overnight or express mail (DHL, FEDEX, UPS):

Graduate Admissions             
University of Colorado Boulder                     
3100 Marine Street - 553 UCB
Bldg RL3 Suite A122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058 USA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (303) 492-6301
  

All International Applicants

Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to Office of Admissions/International.  Transcripts must be official copies and should include ALL post-secondary academic work completed to date, including courses appearing as transfer credit on other transcripts, credits earned in study abroad programs, and courses taken for college credit while in high school. Copies of transcripts mailed in unsealed envelopes and sent directly by applicants are NOT official transcripts.

For standard international mail or mail within the US, including USPS Priority and Express:

Office of Admissions/International
University of Colorado Boulder
3100 Marine St Suite A122
65 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0065 USA

Overnight/Express Mailing Address (DHL, UPS, Fedex)          

Office of Admissions/International               
University of Colorado Boulder                     
3100 Marine Street - 65 UCB
Bldg RL3 Suite A122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058 USA
303-492-6301