CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Customizable CurriculumTailor your academic path to your research interests.
- Collaborative EnvironmentEngage in partnerships across departments and institutions.
- Cutting-Edge ResearchAccess the McWilliams Center for Cosmology and Astrophysics.
- Fall 2025 StartBe part of the program's inaugural cohort.
Carnegie Mellon University offers a new Ph.D. program in Astronomy and Astrophysics, launching for Fall 2025 intake. This program is designed for students passionate about cosmic discovery, data science, and interdisciplinary research. With the field of astronomy entering a golden age of data from instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and the Euclid mission, this program equips students with advanced tools and technologies to explore the universe's mysteries. It aims to prepare future leaders in data-intensive astronomy.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics curriculum provides a strong foundation in astrophysics through core courses, allowing students to specialize further through flexible electives in related fields like physics, statistics, or machine learning. This structure enables students to create a personalized learning path aligned with their unique research interests.
- Core Astrophysics Courses
- Stars & Black Holes
- Galaxies
- Cosmology
- Professional Development
- Professional Development Seminar
- Customizable Electives
- 3 specialized courses in physics, statistics, machine learning, or other related fields
Careers
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program will be prepared for careers at the forefront of cosmic discovery and data science. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and advanced tools opens doors to diverse opportunities in academia, research institutions, and industry.
- Astrophysicist
- Cosmologist
- Data Scientist
- Research Scientist
- University Professor
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
- You need a B.S., B.A., or M.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field. International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements with minimum scores for IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
- What is the tuition and estimated living cost for this program?
- Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. Estimated living expenses, excluding tuition and health insurance, are $34,018 per academic year.
- How do I apply to the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
- You need to create an online account, complete the online application form, pay a $25 application fee, submit transcripts, arrange three letters of recommendation, and provide English language test scores if applicable.
- What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
- The application deadline is December 15 for Fall intake of the following year. The application system typically opens in late August to early September.
- What are the potential career paths after completing this Ph.D. program?
- Graduates can pursue careers as an Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, or University Professor, focusing on cosmic discovery and data science.
- Are GRE scores required for admission?
- No, GRE General or GRE Subject Test scores are optional and not required for admission to the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate degreeA B.S., B.A., or M.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related subject from a recognized four-year college, university, or institute of technology, or equivalent credentials.
IELTS (Academic)Overall 6.5, with subscores of 6.5 for Reading and Listening, and 6.0 for Speaking and Writing.
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home EditionOverall 86, with subscores of 22 for Reading, Listening, and Writing, and 20 for Speaking. CMU institution code is 2074, Physics department code is 76.
Duolingo English Test (DET)Overall 110, with Literacy 105, Conversation 95, Comprehension 115, Production 90.
English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree at an English-speaking program in an English-speaking country. GRE General or Subject Test scores are optional.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year.
Tuition (home)Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year.
LivingEstimated living expenses (excluding tuition and health insurance) are $34,018 per academic year. This includes student activities fee ($244), housing ($14,752), food ($8,664), books and supplies ($2,212), personal and miscellaneous ($4,098), travel allowance ($1,756), transportation fee ($302), technology fee ($490), and estimated loan fees ($1,500 for federal loan borrowers). Health insurance costs are TBD.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. The amounts provided are for the 2026-2027 academic year as of April 3, 2026.
How to apply
1. Create an Online AccountBegin by creating an account on the Carnegie Mellon University Application System. You can save your progress and return to your application at any time.
2. Complete the Online Application FormFill out the online application, which will include sections for your CV, biographical information, a personal statement, details of prior research activities, and research interests. Specific instructions will be provided within the application system.
3. Pay the Application FeeA non-refundable application fee of $25 is required. Fee waivers are generally not available, except for specific cases such as GEM Fellowship and Rales Fellowship applicants.
4. Submit TranscriptsUpload digital copies of official transcripts from all college-level institutions you have attended, regardless of whether a degree was awarded.
5. Arrange Letters of RecommendationProvide contact details for three (3) professional references. At least one letter should be from an institution you currently attend or attended most recently. Your recommenders will receive instructions directly after you complete the online application.
6. Submit English Language Test Scores (International Applicants)If English is not your native language and you have not completed an undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country at an English-speaking program, you must submit official scores from an accepted English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test). Scores must meet the minimum requirements and be sent electronically to Carnegie Mellon University directly from the testing service. CMU's TOEFL institution code is 2074, Physics department code is 76.
7. Optional: Submit GRE ScoresGRE General or GRE Subject Test scores are optional and not required for admission. If you wish to submit them, ensure they are sent to Carnegie Mellon University.
Scholarships
CMU Rales Fellows Program—
Graduate Student Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
+
You need a B.S., B.A., or M.S. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, or a closely related field. International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements with minimum scores for IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
What is the tuition and estimated living cost for this program?
+
Doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year. Estimated living expenses, excluding tuition and health insurance, are $34,018 per academic year.
How do I apply to the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
+
You need to create an online account, complete the online application form, pay a $25 application fee, submit transcripts, arrange three letters of recommendation, and provide English language test scores if applicable.
What is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program?
+
The application deadline is December 15 for Fall intake of the following year. The application system typically opens in late August to early September.
What are the potential career paths after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as an Astrophysicist, Cosmologist, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, or University Professor, focusing on cosmic discovery and data science.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
+
No, GRE General or GRE Subject Test scores are optional and not required for admission to the Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics program.