Graduate, Undergraduate & Internship Programs
Graduate Programs
Harvard University Department of Astronomy
The Department of Astronomy at Harvard offers a rich and varied program of theoretical, observational, and experimental graduate work leading to the Ph.D. in astronomy. Students enjoy opportunities to conduct research in nearly every branch of astronomy and astrophysics and access to CfA's extensive facilities.
SAO's Predoctoral Program is open to current graduate students pursuing thesis research in astrophysics or related fields. Applicants engaged in theory, observation, instrument development, or laboratory experiments at a university or college are strongly encouraged to apply.
SAO/University of Southampton Astronomy Masters Program
Students enrolled in the University of Southampton's (UK) Honors Astronomy can also do research for their Masters thesis at SAO through participation in the SAO/University of Southampton "Astrophysics with a Year Abroad (M. Phys.)" program. While academic oversight remains with the Southampton advisor, the SAO host provides day-to-day scientific direction on work on a topic of mutual interest during the September to May academic year.
Undergraduate Programs
Harvard University Department of Astronomy
The Department of Astronomy offers three options for Astronomy concentration: basic, honors, and joint honors. The most frequently pursued joint honors combination is with physics although other choices are available. Secondary fields in the department are also offered.
Internship Programs
The SAO Summer Intern Program invites undergraduates interested in careers in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or related physical sciences the opportunity to work with a CfA staff member on a research project. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution, the program is open to students enrolled in a degree program leading to a bachelor's degree.
The SAO/NSF Solar REU Intern Program invites undergraduates interested in careers in solar physics, astrophysics, physics, or related physical sciences the opportunity to work with a CfA staff member on a solar physics research project. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the program is open to students who are US citizens enrolled in a degree program leading to a bachelor's degree.
CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, & Engineering
CfA Research Experiences in Astronomy, Technology, & Engineering (CREATE) is a unique internship program that welcomes talented undergraduate science majors from a variety of partner organizations. CREATE provides summer internships to 6 students annually with an emphasis on advancing access and participation of students from underrepresented and minoritized backgrounds in STEM research. The program welcomes undergraduate majors in many STEM degree programs, including physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
My adviser is not only a leading scientist in the field, but an incredible mentor who always makes time for me and believes no question is stupid. He has roped in the support of 2 other scientists with specific expertise in computational and observational work, so that all aspects of my project are extremely well-supervised. SAO is the friendliest, most active place I ever worked, and has already set me up for my next job. I am sad to leave because I love it so much here!
- Urmila Chadayammuri, 2020 SAO Predoctoral Fellow