The Department of Astronomy has suspended graduate admissions for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.
General Information for applying to UW Astronomy Graduate Program.
Applications must be submitted using the application available on the UW graduate school website.
Please watch this page for application deadlines.
Some basic things to note while preparing application:
- Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy, Physics or related field is required.
- Academic record must meet UW graduate school minimum admission requirements
- GRE scores are optional, may be submitted if desired.
- The application will ask for information on upper division physics and astronomy courses. Be prepared to enter information regarding course content.
- We are looking for students in four specific research areas this year (see below for descriptions). You will be allowed to choose a maximum of two areas for consideration in the application. The statement of purpose submitted via the application should include discussion of your preparation for participating in the chosen research area(s).
- The application will ask for a two page statement of purpose. Please use this essay to address the reasons why you wish to pursue a graduate program in Astronomy at the University of Washington, including details about your selected Area(s) of Interest. It should also describe any exceptional experiences and achievements that might help support and strengthen your application.
- You will also be asked to upload a CV/Resume. This may include a research section with links to materials such as talks, posters, papers, etc. Be sure to identify which portion of the research project was your contribution.
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The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.