How long...?

Question

Does any one know how long it will take to get a PH.d in astronomy?

Answer 1

First, you need a 4-year degree in something, preferably physics.  Most astronomy graduate programs expect you to have majored in physics.  The graduate program itself takes 4-8 years, depending on how motivated you are, if you switch topics or advisers between the masters and PhD, the subject you pick and if you need telescope time or to build something to finish it.  So it's 8-12 years in all.

Answer 2

5 to 7 years

Answer 3

Most astronomy PhD programs take between 5 and 7 years, after you get your bachelors degree in college. Most of us got our bachelors degree in physics, but some schools offer astronomy programs as well. Those 5 to 7 years spent in graduate school are not all spent taking classes, though. Most people are finished with classes entirely after 2 years, and then the remaining time is spent doing research.