The Astronomy and astrophysics graduate program is intended for those with a deep interest in the subject. Students are trained in the latest techniques in computation, data analysis, and instrumentation, which have wide utility in academia and in industry. The interests of the faculty encompass a wide range of theoretical, observational, and instrumentation aspects of astronomy. Current research and course offerings include cosmology, galaxies, stars, transient astronomy, exoplanets, astrobiology, and instrumentation/adaptive optics.

Graduate students have access to state-of-the-art instrument labs and an on-campus supercomputer dedicated to astrophysical computation. Graduate students may conduct supervised research at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, 55 miles from Santa Cruz, and the Keck Telescope in Hawaii.

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Astronomy and Astrophysics Ph.D. graduates will demonstrate:

✔ Mastery of the fundamental techniques, underlying theory, and empirical contents of astronomy and astrophysics;

✔ Ability to apply technology (including observational techniques and instrumentation, mathematical modeling, and computational simulation) to solve modern astronomical and astrophysical problems'

✔ Ability to communicate/teach fundamental astronomical concepts and/or new research results to both other experts in the field and/or to people outside the field;

✔ Ability to conduct independent research, and publish in the peer-reviewed astronomical and astrophysical literature.