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The Fall 2025 APS application is now live through December 1st, 2024. Apply here.

2024 APS graduate information session:

View our November 2024 information session

Admissions Information

We receive over 475 applications to our graduate program and will make offers to approximately 30. Only students intending to earn their Ph.D. will be considered for admission. Admitted students are invited to visit Boulder for one of our "Prospective Weekends" held in the first half of March.

We do not offer Spring nor Summer admission.ÌýThe admissions committee may in very rare cases review late applications at their discretion.Ìý

Personal Statement 

Write a personal statement (less than 2 pages, single-spaced) describing your career goals and how studying at CU Boulder's Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences can help you achieve those aspirations. Briefly describe:

[1] Your research area(s) of interest and how your past academic or professional experiences have informed that interest
[2] Your preparation for advanced study in the APS graduate program
[3] Past experiences, skills, achievements, or initiatives taken that reflect your potential to do high quality research
[4] Discussion of lived experiences, obstacles that you may have overcome (personal or professional), or examples of initiative and determination that may have shaped your journey to graduate school
[5] Discussion of ways in which you feel that you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive community in graduate school and beyond
[6] Any additional details about your academic and research background that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your application

Decisions

Application decisions will begin to be made as soon as applications are complete. Offers of admission are generally made between late-January and mid-February.

Preliminary Interview

Matriculating students are given an oral preliminary interview prior to the beginning of the fall semester of their first year. Students review their background with their academic advisor and other faculty whose research is related to the student's interests. Courses and possible research advisors are suggested to the student.

English Proficiency Requirements for international applicants

Please see the English proficiency requirements here.Ìý

Â鶹ÊÓƵ APS

The goal of the APS graduate program is to train the next generation of scientists through both coursework and research. Before applying, we encourage you to view our graduate Program Information page to learn about the components of a Ph.D. at CU and the typical timeline for graduate student careers. While enrolled, graduate students in the APS department are financially supported through a combination of Teaching and Research Assistantships, covering all tuition and a personal stipend sufficient to live in the Boulder area.

Our graduate program integrates astrophysics, planetary science, solar physics, space physics, and space instrumentation with strong observational and theoretical components. These assets facilitate interaction and collaboration between the disciplines and enable students to explore a wide variety of research areas. In addition, the Sommers-Bausch Observatory on campus provides excellent hands-on experience with telescopes and observing. The Department supports the world-class Fiske Planetarium, which offers a unique opportunity for public outreach. Other affiliated research organizations in Boulder complement these campus resources. The Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences values contributions from scientists of diverse backgrounds and aims to promote an inclusive environment for all people.

Opportunity for Underrepresented Students

The Colorado Advantage Graduate Preview Weekend gives underrepresented students a chance to visit the campus, meet faculty, and preview doctoral programs in science, math, and engineering departments at CU-Boulder, including ours.

Additional Information

For further information concerning graduate studies, feel free to call or email:

Lindsay Nelson, Graduate Program Coordinator