How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in astronomy?

Question

Does anyone know?

I want to be an astonomer and I want to know how long it would take to get a Ph.D.

Answer 1

The time to go from a Master to PhD varies, but it would between two to three years. If you are interested in research, a PhD is a must. With a master degree, you can do data analysis, build instruments, among other supporting activities

Answer 2

After an undergraduate degree, 3 or 4 years is possible to get a Ph.D, but it is fairly uncommon.  I'd say 5 or 6 years is more common.  Depending on how your research and dissertation go, it can even take longer.  I had a friend take 10 years to get a Ph.D.  People who start with a masters can more easily get a doctorate in 3 or 4 years.  But I don't think there are many masters degree programs in astronomy.  Most Ph.D programs just give you a masters when you are halfway through, so that if they flunk you out of your candidacy exam (which does happen sometimes) you at least have some degree to show for all your work.   As already mentioned, the astronomy jobs are in research and a masters won't suffice.  With a masters in astronomy you could be a technician, but even that might be difficult with a masters in astronomy.  Technicians don't need to know about cosmology or gravitational theory, they need to know how telescopes and computer systems work.  I think a lot of technicians working on telescopes (for example) might have better luck with a masters in engineering or optics or even physics rather than astronomy.  And that way, if the astronomy thing doesn't work out, there are lots of other career options.   I don't want to discourage you, but everything I've heard people say that a masters degree in astronomy is not a good career move.  Best job you can get after that is teaching or working in a science center.  Not bad, but maybe not what youre looking for?  Either go all the way for the Ph.D. or choose a related field that will give you more career flexibility.  

I don't know if you have an undergrad degree yet or not, but if not, start with a degree in physics or something similar with a minor in astronomy if offered.  You'll be well prepared for astronomy after that, but you'll also have options if you realize its not for you.  You will also know if you have what it takes.  Then try a REU (research experience as undergrad) program in astronomy and work with real astronomers and see if that's what you like to do.  You'll also be able to get good advice from them.  My wife did this--bachelors in physics and astronomy REU.  She learned that a bachelors physics degree is better than an astronomy undergrad degree, but she ultimately decided that astronomy was a lot more fun as a hobby than as a career.  And now she at least has a physics degree, which gives her lots of career options now.

Also keep in mind that getting a Ph.D. and doing postdoc work is really more of a career in itself.  You are doing work very similar to the research that you would do as a professional.  You can even get paid for it if you get a fellowship or research assistantship.   I think most science grad students don't pay for their school.  So if you are worried about money, don't be if you are a serious go-getter.  If you are worried about being in school for a long time, then maybe rethink the career because it's what you'll be doing for the rest of your life.  The only difference between an astronomy career and an astronomy Ph.D. is that you get paid more for the Ph.D. and there's a little more pressure to publish and get tenure as a faculty member, plus you may have to juggle teaching in with your career.  So you really shouldn't be worried about how long a Ph.D. takes if that is really what you want to do professionally.

Answer 3

Check out this website. Astronomycast.com look under archive and building a career in astronomy. I think it is 4 years of highschool, 4 years of college, then 2-4 years of graduate school, then another 2-4 years of post-doc. Then you might get a job. Most astronomers will get a job when they are around mid thirties. It is a big commitment.

Answer 4

First thing you should be doing, is already being quite interested in astronomy...knowing many things well in advanced of university.

There is alot of competition in astronomy...and it's pointless in a way, since it's about truth being sought. But most of them think that if you write papers, you get a ahead. That's not science. Science is about seeking truth...no matter what, regardless if you have 3 letters after your name.

Yes...of course, it's all about credibility. Not really. If you study enough through common sense, you get the merit you deserve. If you want merit all the time, go to university. If you want to seek the truth...university is a part of that journey...but not all of it. It begins in you and ends in you.