Statement of Mutual Expectations between the Department of Astronomy and its Graduate Students

Graduate students in the Astronomy doctoral program are expected to develop a mastery of their field, and gain familiarity with their discipline from arrival to graduation. Students should make the transition from classroom learning to active supervised full-time original research during their graduate career.

In particular, full-time doctoral students who arrive with a baccalaureate degree normally will:

• Become engaged in supervised research no later than the start of their 2nd year
• Identify a thesis adviser during their 3rd year
• Identify a thesis topic by the end of their 3rd year
• Secure admission to candidacy within 3-4 years
• Submit at least one paper for publication prior to graduation
• Complete all requirements and graduate within 6-7 years

Graduate students in CMNS doctoral programs normally may expect:

• A wide selection of courses
• Advice and mentoring by faculty in their program prior to the selection of an adviser
• From their adviser (or, in some instances the program):
  • Regular access and advice during the research and thesis writing process
  • Training in the preparation of oral and written scholarly presentations; in particular, advice and support for the writing of at least one paper for publication
  • Introductions, for example at conferences, to other members of the field
  • Assistance and advice with job searches