<p>after gaining my BS in astronomy...... how many years to a PHD in astrophysics?</p>
<p>Usually 4-6 years</p>
<p>^ Most programs’ ideal lengths are indeed in that range, but many students take much longer.</p>
<p>How about after my masters?</p>
<p>^ That will depend on how many of your classes from the masters program are accepted for credit exemption from the Ph.D. program’s coursework. It could have no effect on the time needed to complete the program.</p>
<p>All Ph.D.'s are open ended affairs. The length to complete has a little
to do with efficiencies between BA/BS, MA/MS degrees and the Ph.D.
By open ended I mean post qualifying exams, generally post 2 years plus
of coursework you write a series of exams for your doctoral advisement
committee (plus a few other profs). If you pass these exams you are
admitted to candidacy-- that is candidacy for the Ph.D. Now, you form
a dissertation committee with the goal of submitting a “prospectus”(plan)
for a creative original research project. THE DISSERTATION If you pass
the prospectus meeting you are cut loose to collect data and eventually
(one hopes) return for a DEFENSE of the final product. If the defense
goes ok you are eventually awarded the Ph.D. In my experience in academics
dissertations take 2 years to infinity – the product fails to be completed,
and is known as ABD-- All But Dissertation! SAD, means sad!</p>
<p>My example-- I completed my BS in 1971, MA (same field) in 1972 and Ph.D.
(same field) in 1974. Efficient but I was nuts at completion.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>David</p>
<p>1971, 1972, 1974 Go Northwestern, Go Cats!!!</p>
<p>Thank you very much, how did you get ur ma in 1 year ?</p>
<p>As I remember, I was able to complete approx 4/5 M.A. courses
on a quarter system during my senior undergrad year. Also,
I went to school summer quarters as well since USOE and
RSA funding was available to me at that time. Yes, I chased
the tuitition dollars/stipends even as a senior undergrad.
Like a Princeton student I grew up in an impressive research
environment-- with a faculty who took care of me – I did my
part! </p>
<p>What I find interesting about Princeton from an Institutional
academic perspective is their seemingly dual (only) focus on
undergraduate education and terminal Ph.D.'s. They are not
expending resources on various professional programs, e.g.,
medical school, dental school, law school, etc. This is unique
in my experience and one reason my daughter will apply
this fall.</p>
<p>I’ve gone on too long.</p>
<p>.02 David</p>
<p>Wow, thanks bn12gg. I actually am looking to get my Ph. D in astrophysics as well, and there certainly aren’t too many of us. That really helps. Do you have any other advice?</p>
<p>My god, that was eye opening… If you have any regrets please share… How did you balance school with internships and ECs and social life and so on? If you were an admissions officer at Princeton, what kind of stats would you look for? What is more important? (Open to all) what should one do the moment they get in to college? I am double majoring in astronomy and astronautics engineering.</p>