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    California Institute of Technology

    Astronomy and Astrophysics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pasadena, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    9
    Cohort
    students
    135
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology is a 135-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Pasadena, US. and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The master's degree is awarded en route to the PhD or as a terminal degree to students fulfilling specific coursework requirements including core astrophysics courses and electives while pursuing research leading to extensive research achievement.

    Focus: research
    Times Higher Ed Physical Sciences 2026: 1st | US News Space Science 2026: 1st
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $25,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

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    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology online or in-person?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology is offered in-person.
    How long does Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology take to complete?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology is structured around 2 years and 135 credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    How large is the Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology cohort?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology typically enrolls around 9 students per cohort.
    What work-permit options follow Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology?
    Post-completion work rights for Astronomy and Astrophysics at California Institute of Technology: 36 months OPT (US)