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    The Pennsylvania State University

    Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    University Park, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $93,792.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    12.5%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    35
    Credits
    $85.00
    App fee

    Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is a 35-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in University Park, US. Tuition is $93,792 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Graduate instruction and research opportunities in theoretical, observational, and instrumental astronomy and astrophysics. Active areas include high-energy astrophysics, relativity and cosmology, stellar dynamics, planet formation, spectroscopic and photometric observations of quasars and galaxies, gamma-ray bursts, X-ray studies, infrared studies of brown dwarfs, and development of X-ray telescopes and spectrographs.

    Focus: research
    QS World University Rankings: 82

    Your fit

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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
    Jan 5, 2027

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    optional
    Min minimum TOEFL score of 590 on the paper-based test, or a total score of 96 with a 23 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT)
    IELTS
    optional
    Min The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $20,700.00
    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 (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is $93,792 across 35 required credits.
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University online or in-person?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is offered in-person.
    How long does Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University take to complete?
    Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is structured around 2 years and 35 credits.
    What GPA is required for Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University?
    Per the program's published guidance: grade-point average of at least 3.0 in their junior/senior courses in physics, astronomy, math, and related subjects
    Is Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Astronomy and Astrophysics (M.S.) at The Pennsylvania State University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.