Be at the forefront of scientific discovery, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in physics and astronomy
At the University of Iowa, our graduate programs offer you the chance to immerse yourself in advanced research and collaborate with leading experts in the field. Here, you'll find a dynamic and supportive environment where your ideas can flourish.
Explore graduate programs
MS in Astronomy
The Masters of Science in astronomy is designed for students who wish to build a professional knowledge in astronomy that includes a research experience through a critical essay of known research or through a novel thesis. It may be used in industry or academics. The Master of Science in astronomy may serve as a terminal degree or as an intermediate degree towards a PhD in physics.
MS in Physics
The Master of Science in physics is designed for students who wish to build a professional knowledge in physics that includes a research experience through a critical essay of known research or through a novel thesis. The degree may be used in the industry or academics. The Master of Science in physics may serve as a terminal degree or an intermediate degree towards a PhD in physics.
PhD in Physics
The Doctor of Philosophy in physics is designed for students that wish to have first-hand experience in the discovery and creation of knowledge in physics or astronomy and an expertise to an area of physics. It is appropriate for those seeking leadership and decision making roles in industries, the academy and education. The Doctor of Philosophy is a terminal degree and may be completed with an emphasis in physics through the physics track, or with an emphasis in astronomy through the astronomy track.
Join a vibrant community of researchers and scholars
Our program has research efforts that span six sub-areas of physics and five interdisciplinary areas. To tailor your program of study to your career goals, our program is split into two tracks: the Astronomy track and the Physics track. These tracks will help you and your advisor determine the course work you need to quickly get into your research.
The Graduate Coordinator, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the faculty are committed to keeping you on track so you may develop skills suitable for your career goals in discovery and communication of science. To this end we have eliminated the PhD qualifying exam and in its stead take a holistic approach of reviewing your coursework and academic achievements through an annual career goal meeting with you and your advisor. This may include taking an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that can improve the communications channels between you, your advisor and/or other mentors.
Through the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), the graduate students are part of the governing body of the department and in partnership with the faculty we are able to meet your needs as best as possible. The Department offers a summer internship with a faculty mentor after your first year so you can test drive any specific research area. The community of graduate students enjoys a camaraderie and are here to assist and support you with understanding the nuances of your graduate years. Through our Graduate Mentoring in Astronomy and Physics Program (GradMAP), first- and second-year students are paired with upper-level graduate students so that your segue into graduate school is both smooth and well-informed.
Please take a look at the research efforts and course offerings, and we wish you all the best with your career goals.
69
Graduate students in Physics and Astronomy
25 %
International Students
Physics and Astronomy Help Center
All students are welcome to attend the Physics and Astronomy Help Center at any time during operating hours to get help with courses in the department.