Graduate Handbook

University of Minnesota

Department of Astronomy

Purpose of Handbook


This handbook is intended as a supplement to the Graduate School Bulletin. It summarizes Astrophysics degree requirements and answers frequently asked questions about student goals and student-faculty relations. Although every effort has been made to maintain accuracy, you should always defer to the Graduate School Bulletin in the event of any conflict with that document.
 
The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Astrophysics are designed primarily to train individuals for careers in modern astrophysical or related research. Increasingly, Ph.D.s in the physical sciences are pursuing a broader range of careers, bringing to them both their technical knowledge as well as their skills and experience in research and problem-solving. All of these careers are very demanding and competitive. Hence, independent of what career path you follow, your principal goal throughout your graduate career should be to learn and get first-hand experience with the broad range of tools of a research scientist.
 
For many scientists, teaching is a critical component of their job. In the Astrophysics program, most students will receive training and experience in teaching. There are also a growing number of opportunities for enhancing this training and documenting your experience for help in your future employment.
 
This handbook should serve as a handy reference guide, and a place to start. However, it cannot replace the invaluable information you can obtain by talking with your advisor, other faculty members, or other students. This handbook is also an evolving document, and your comments and suggestions for its improvement are always welcome.

[top]Getting the Graduate Student Handbook


  • Graduate Handbook This is the most up to date version of the graduate student handbook. Note, however, that it is an unofficial version, pending faculty review. An official version is below.

  • Old Graduate Handbook This is the old version of the graduate student handbook. It is an official version, but it is out of date.