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Department Of Astronomy
Degree Programs:
Full-Time: M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Chair:
David
J.
Helfand, Ph.D.
1020 Pupin
Tel:
212.854.2150
Director of Graduate Studies:
Jacqueline
Van Gorkom,
Ph.D.
1314 Pupin
Tel:
212.854.6850
The Astronomy Department is a member of the MDM consortium,
which operates 1.3 and 2.4m telescopes on Kitt
Peak in Arizona, providing substantial observational
capabilities for the department.
Research in astronomy and astrophysics is conducted in both the Department of Astronomy
and the Department of Physics. Students in the Astronomy department routinely
work with the faculty of both departments, which are located in the same
building. A number of students also work on Ph.D. theses at the neighboring American Museum of Natural History whose faculty is
closely affiliated with the department. The faculty excel in theory,
observations and the development of new instrumentation, covering particle
physics, cosmology and astrophysics, as well as extragalactic, galactic and stellar
astronomy.
Columbia’s
Astrophysics Laboratory, a joint endeavor involving the Astronomy and Physics Departments,
has extensive experience in the design and construction of new astronomical
instruments for rocket, balloon and satellite, missions, as well as for
ground-based telescopes. Facilities include laboratories and equipment for
testing and assembling experiments, an electronics shop and a well-equipped and
highly skilled instrument machine shop.
The Physics and Astronomy library contains over 47,000 volumes, including
essentially all journals relevant to astronomy. The Astronomy department also
has its own supplemental collections of reference books and journals. Every
week, both Physics and Astronomy colloquia are given by invited speakers.
The Astrophysics Laboratory and Astronomy department maintain a large computing
network. All offices have connections to these machines through a wideband
network.. Columbia University is a member of the Cornell National
Supercomputer Facility (CNSF); Columbia
researchers have access to this over a fast network.
Fellowships are awarded in recognition of academic achievement and in
expectation of scholarly success. Teaching and research experience are
considered important aspects of the training of graduate students. Thus,
graduate fellowships include both teaching and research apprenticeship.
Graduate students are normally required to take a minimum of 30 points of their
choosing from the Astronomy and Physics offerings, which include the five core
courses and numerous special topics courses and seminars. Up to six points
towards the total of 30 are awarded for
on research projects.
Special Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit 1 official transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a Statement of Academic Purpose and 3 letters of evaluation from academic sources. All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
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DEGREE:
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Ph.D.
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Deadline for Fall Admission
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January 3*
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Deadline for Spring Admission
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no spring admission
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Resume/CV
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yes
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Writing Sample
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no
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GRE General
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yes
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GRE Subject
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Physics
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Miscellaneous
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none
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An undergraduate major in physics, astronomy or a related field is required in addition to a solid background in physics and mathematics.
* An extension to February 1 may be granted with special permission of the Graduate School.
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