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    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Astronomy and Astrophysics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Cambridge, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $128,620.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    66
    Credits
    $90.00
    App fee

    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a 66-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Cambridge, US. Tuition is $128,620 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The Master of Science in Physics program requires a thesis representing an independent piece of research work carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member. The department's research areas include experimental and theoretical astrophysics, among many others. The normal degree program in the department leads to a PhD.

    Focus: both
    QS Physics & Astronomy: 1 | US News Geochemistry: 2

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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

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    Min GREs and/or PGREs (Physics subject GREs) are not required for graduate applications but are recommended. All applications will be given full consideration with or without GRE scores.
    TOEFL
    required
    Min TOEFL iBT (department code 61 for Astronomy)
    IELTS
    required
    Min The minimum IELTS Academic score required for admission is 7.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months OPT (US)

    $21,600.00
    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

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    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

    How much does Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is $128,620 across 66 required credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology online or in-person?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is offered in-person.
    How long does Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology take to complete?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is structured around 2 years and 66 credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
    Post-completion work rights for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 36 months OPT (US)