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    Northwestern University

    Astronomy and Astrophysics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Evanston, USMSIn-person15 months
    STEM-OPT
    $68,919.00
    Tuition
    over 15mo
    $95.00
    App fee

    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University is a 15-month, in-person MS program based in Evanston, US. Tuition is $68,919 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The Master's Program in Physics is designed for students who want to obtain an advanced degree in physics. Students who successfully complete the program will have acquired strong analytical skills that are valued in many fields. The program prepares graduates for admission into PhD programs in Physics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics. The curriculum includes core courses in classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics, with flexibility through elective choices. Students can choose between a Standard (Thesis) Path and a Broad (non-thesis) Path.

    Focus: both
    US News #21 Physics

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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 2026
    Jun 30, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min submitting GRE scores is optional. Master's applicants may submit scores if desired, but submitting scores is not required
    TOEFL
    required
    Min The Graduate School minimum TOEFL iBT score for master's applicants= 80
    IELTS
    required
    Min The Graduate School Minimum IELTS score = 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $22,059.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    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 Northwestern University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University is $68,919.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University online or in-person?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University is offered in-person.
    How long does Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University take to complete?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University is structured around 15 months.
    What GPA is required for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 overall GPA
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Astronomy and Astrophysics at Northwestern University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.