Penn State has a vigorous degree program in Astronomy and Astrophysics. At any given time, the department has approximately twenty-five graduate students taking classes and performing front-line research.

The emphasis of the graduate program is on research experience, and the sequence of graduate classroom courses allow students to begin research before the start of the second year. Two courses that present the foundations of astronomy and astrophysics at an advanced level are offered in the first semester of each year for entering graduate students. Specialty courses, offered in the spring semester of each year on a rotating basis, allow more detailed study of selected topics. During the fall semester of the second year, each student undertakes closely supervised research in a topic of interest. Organized seminars and department colloquia, as well as independent inquiry, are other forms by which graduate students begin to master the diverse and intriguing subject matter of modern astronomy and astrophysics. We say "begin to master" because keeping up with (and contributing to) the growth of astronomy is a lifetime occupation!

Graduate student Ann Hornschemeier "at the controls" for a launch of an X-ray sounding rocket at White Sands Missile Range. Hornschemeier, with Professors Burrows and Garmire, are studying Scorpius X-1, the brightest quiescent X-ray source in the 0.5 - 10 keV band.

A graduate student normally completes all course requirements within the first two academic years and then devotes his/her time fully to research. Upon entering Graduate School students take a placement exam which serves to ensure adequate preparation in basic astronomy, mathematics, and physics; in a few cases additional course work is prescribed based on this examination, to assist students in establishing a firm foundation for independent research. After two years of coursework, the student is given a comprehensive examination covering the student's second year research project as well as general mastery of the methods and results of modern astronomy and astrophysics. After passing the examination the student is free to devote his/her full attention to the Ph.D. thesis.

Completion of a thesis and an oral presentation of original research is the single most important requirement for the Ph.D. degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Usually by the beginning of the third year, the student formulates a research topic with the help of a faculty adviser who heads a committee responsible for guiding the research. The culmination of the Ph.D. program is the presentation and oral defense of a thesis based on the student's research. The total time from entering the graduate program to successful defense of the thesis varies widely but is typically between five and six years.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Graduate students are generally supported by teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or other fellowships. These awards include, in addition to a stipend, a grant-in-aid covering tuition. Most graduate students are teaching assistants for their first year. These appointments, which require about 20 hours a week of service, encourage the students to review basic material and learn the principles of good instruction. Usually the graduate student teaches one or two sections of astronomy laboratories for non-science undergraduate students, and conducts astronomy "help" sessions for these undergraduates. The teaching assistants attend a weekly training program, supervised by a faculty member.

Outstanding graduate student applicants may qualify for an additional supplemental fellowship under the Braddock and Roberts Recognition Grant Program. These competitively awarded fellowships carry with them an annual stipend of $4,000. Other scholarships such as the Wheeler P. Davey Memorial, and the August and Ruth Homeyer Graduate Fellowship provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding students who are enrolled in the Eberly College of Science.

During their summers, graduate students work as research assistants on specific research projects with a faculty member. Sometime during their second or third year, students become full-time graduate research associates, working under the guidance of a faculty member whose work is funded by an external source, such as NASA or the National Science Foundation.