Overview

Statement

The Astronomy and Planetary Sciences program of the Northern Arizona University leverages state-of-the-art resources found in Arizona, and especially one of a kind facilities near Flagstaff, to deliver a unique and distinct graduate education that cannot be found in Arizona’s other state universities.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy will partner with Lowell Observatory, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center, United States Naval Observatory, and the Naval Research Laboratory, as well as the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) and the Naval Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI), all in or near Flagstaff. This program also capitalizes on the wide range of nearby geologic environments (including Meteor Crater) to enable terrestrial and analog planetary science investigations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Spectroscopy

Planetary Science

Astrochemistry

Dissertation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

More details

International students must apply on or before March 1st for fall admission.

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Astronomy & Space Sciences View 43 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

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Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts.

Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

A statement of interest describing why you are applying to NAU as well as your professional interests and goals

A scientific/technical writing sample such as a senior thesis, MS thesis, major course paper or professional report demonstrating your analytical and writing skills

Three letters of recommendation from people who know you well

A current Curriculum Vitae

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

30338 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 30338 USD per year during 96 months.
National

29338 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 29338 USD per year during 96 months.
In-State

11846 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 11846 USD per year during 96 months.

Living costs for Flagstaff

1010 - 1500 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astronomy and Planetary Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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