Student Resources
Academic Resources
- Tutoring
- Scholarships
- Finding a mentor
- Resources for international students
- LGBTQ+ resources
- Resources for scholars with disabilities
Graduating Seniors
- Graduate School Applications- CV, personal and research statements, recommendations
- Scholarships
- After being accepted to grad school
Gap Year Planning
- Gap Year Advice
- Bridge Programs
- Post-bac positions
- Post-bac programs & internships
Careers In Industry
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Preparing for jobs in tech/industry
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Applying for jobs- resume, cover letter
- Job search
Academic Resources
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (Sophomores, Juniors, US Citizens)
Goldwater Scholarship (Sophomores, Juniors, US Citizens/Permanent Res)
UA Scholarships: Spring Deadlines
UA Scholarships: Summer Deadlines
UA Scholarships: Fall Deadlines
Out to Innovate Scholarship for LGBTQ+ students
UA Women in STEM Mentoring Program : Connecting Female Identifying Undergraduates to Faculty at UA and Industry Leaders. Applications Due in August.
Space4Women Mentorship Program
UA Astronomy Peer Mentoring Program (contact Don McCarthy)
The Supernova Foundation: connecting undergraduate women in STEM, particularly in Physics, to established female researchers around the world to receive mentoring.
Be a Mentor/Tutor Opportunities
MESCIT Math Tutoring at the Hasan Preparatory Leadership School.
Graduating Seniors
Graduate School Applications
Graduate School Applications: Resources for Students- includes templates and examples for writing your CV, personal statement, and research statement. Also includes information to solicit letters of recommendation.
Extensive resources for graduate school and GRFP application advice from Logan Pearce, who has been successful with both!
Advice to Applicants
University of Arizona – Steward Observatory
This document was compiled by current Steward grad students. It has not been reviewed by the Admissions Committee, nor is it guaranteed to be fully comprehensive. Nevertheless, we hope to offer useful guidance on making each part of your application as strong as possible.
oSTEM/Queer in AI Graduate School Application Programs
Queer students and scholars are underrepresented and marginalized within STEM fields. Applying to graduate schools typically costs many hundreds of dollars which poses a major barrier to queer students, who are disproportionately affected by economic hardship. Queer students also do not have many sources and role models to turn to for advice when preparing their application materials for graduate school applications. The aim of the oSTEM Graduate School Application Program is to alleviate the financial burden of queer students and connect them with senior queer scientists for grad school application feedback.
MiniGrant Program to pay for Graduate School Applications for BIPOC students offered by the AAS
These grants are not available for 2024. Check back for future years.
The AAS Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (CSMA) was awarded a $15,000 AIP Diversity Action Fund Award to establish the CSMA Micro-Grants Program. This program sponsors Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other students who are suffering from the effects of financial scarcity. Yearly through 2023, the program will offer 10 one-time grants of at least $500 each to support BIPOC undergraduates to pay graduate school application fees, GRE testing fees, virtual conference registrations, or to purchase textbooks and research supplies.
For more information visit HERE
This list includes Grad schools that do not require PGRE and Cost Breakdowns.
Visit the spreadsheet HERE
Guide to Grad School in US: AAPT
This guide provides resources about the different steps and decisions related to Grad School.
Grad School Shopper from AIP
SPS Observer is the magazine of the Society of Physics Students, published quarterly by the American Institute of Physics. SPS Observer’s fall issue is centered around valuable guidance on the graduate school path in physics and astronomy, with stories from those who’ve been where you are now.
Guide to Grad School in US: Astrobites
If you are entering your final year of college, chances are you are doing a fair bit of thinking about your future. Do you want to make the move out of academia and find a position in industry? As an astronomer/ physicist, you automatically qualify for many high-level positions in the job market even outside the sciences. An article appearing in AAS Newsletter features profiles of astronomers who have chosen different career paths. Check it out!
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The five-year Fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000. Application and reference letter deadlines are in early to mid-October. Open to students who are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
GRFP application advice from Logan Pearce
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST F.5) solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD) science, technology, and exploration goals. The graduate student shall have the primary initiative to define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary author, with input or supervision from the proposal's Principal Investigator (PI) or mentor, as appropriate. The proposal must present a well-defined research problem/activity and a justification of its scientific significance to NASA.
FINESST is open to graduate students pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in a space or earth science-related discipline at a U.S. higher education institution. This includes international students. FINESST awards are research grants for up to three years and up to $50K per year. Proposals are due in February.
Information about FINESST proposals by Michael J. Radke
Hertz Fellowship-
The Hertz Fellowship provides financial and lifelong professional support for the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology. The Hertz Foundation awards fellowships to graduate students pursuing a PhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Open to citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Astronomy and Physics PhD programs typically pay a stipend but often require you to teach. A scholarship can increase your options in finding an advisor and also decrease the number of semesters you need to teach.
Cientifico Latino aims to promote an environment of inclusivity in STEM and increase the number of scientists from minoritized backgrounds in higher education in the sciences through mentorship, open-access resources, and professional development opportunities.
Visit the Cientifico Latino HERE
This fellowship is located at UA.
Visit the website HERE
This is for Cambridge, UK.
More Information HERE
This Fellowship you can apply for during a Gap Year, US Citizens/Permanent Residents.
More Information HERE
This is for studying in the UK.
More Information HERE
More Information HERE
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A goal of the program is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000.
More Information HERE
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. Each Fellow receives up to $90,000 in financial support over two years, and they join a lifelong community of New American Fellows.
More Information HERE
U.S. Fulbright Scholars represent a diverse range of backgrounds and institutions. Award opportunities are open all academic disciplines, including the creative and performing arts.
More Information HERE
After being accepted to Grad School
You’ve been accepted by a grad school! Congrats! So now what?
More Information HERE
Graduate School is a major life decision and should be part of a well-researched career path, not a default choice. Getting a Ph.D. in Astronomy is a far cry from getting a permanent job doing astronomy research as described in this important article and many of the references below. As indicated in the article, the best time to recognize and act on the very competitive nature of astronomy jobs is when undergraduate apply to graduate school.
More Information HERE
This list is a mix of before applying and then what to ask if you’re on a campus visit.
More Information HERE
More Information HERE
Gap Year Planning
Gap Year Advice
Bridge Programs
The APS Bridge Program is a post-baccalaureate program lasting one to two years that provides students with research experience, advanced coursework, and coaching to prepare them for a graduate school application.
IGEN, the ACS, AGU and APS are partnering with higher education institutions that have Bridge Programs to increase the number of physical science graduate degrees earned by Black, Latinx, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. IGEN partners identify academic departments that are committed to providing intentional support, mentoring, and access to resources that enable their graduate students to thrive
America’s competitive edge in science hinges on a broad, diverse workforce trained in research and scientific excellence. Increasing the participation of historically underrepresented groups is an essential part of this endeavor.
With funding provided by the UC Office of the President UC-HBCU Initiative, the UCSD-Morehouse-Spelman Physics Bridge program supports up to 5 students per year from Morehouse and Spelman Colleges to participate in cutting-edge Physics research at UC San Diego, receive training in research skills, and participate in workshops on graduate school admissions and preparation. In addition, all participants will receive two years of graduate funding if they are accepted into any UC graduate program.
The Bridge to the Ph.D. Program in STEM is designed to increase the participation of students from underrepresented groups in Ph.D. programs in STEM disciplines. The Bridge Program is an intensive research, academic, and mentoring experience for post-baccalaureates seeking to strengthen their graduate school applications and to prepare for the transition into Ph.D. programs. Recent bridge alumni have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Columbia University, but also to programs at the University of Chicago, University of Utah, University of Wisconsin, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Princeton.
The mission of the Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Programs at California State University, Los Angeles is to make available to the American scientific research enterprise the creativity and intellectual talents of minority group members. To this end, the University has established several programs to enhance the development of minority students who wish to pursue research careers in basic science disciplines, mathematics and engineering.The University hosts intensive student development programs which include unequalled opportunities for research participation under the direction of the Training Faculty, among the most productive teacher-scholars in the natural and behavioral sciences at the University. These programs are funded by grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the American Chemical Society. All focus on preparing students for success in graduate programs leading to the Ph.D
Minority Opportunities in Research Bridges to the PhD Program
The Physics Department has partnered with the Graduate School to offer a one-year fully funded fellowship that includes an offer of regular admission to the Physics PhD program the following year.
The Physics Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program has the following features:
- Advanced undergraduate classes or graduate classes in statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, classical mechanics and other advanced topics.
- Participate in independent research with one of the research groups. See the department web sites for information on research activities in the departments.
This is a specific APS Bridge Program.
More Information HERE
This is a specific APS Bridge Program.
More Information HERE
Post-Bac Positions
Visit the AAS Job Register HERE
Visit the NASA website HERE
Visit the Job Board HERE
The NASA Pathways Internship requires U.S. citizenship.
More Information HERE
The BMSIS Young Scientist Program (YSP) is the premier online internship on Earth for those interested in Earth and space science, science communication, and moral philosophy. The YSP provides opportunities for students and eligible early career scientists to participate in basic research, learn about effective science communication, and develop critical thinking skills in ethics, policy, and more. Successful applicants join BMSIS as Research Associates (RAs) for the duration of the program.
More Information HERE
CRESST II works in conjunction with NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to facilitate the CRESST II/NASA summer internship program. Summer internships are a 10-week paid internship where students can work alongside NASA scientists on research projects that support the science missions of NASA.
More Information HERE
The DOE Scholars Program is a Department-wide program designed to create a pipeline of highly qualified talent in disciplinary fields that support mission critical areas of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE Scholars Program provides opportunities designed to introduce DOE missions, functions, and operations to talented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates. These opportunities will help prepare Scholars towards the full range of entry and mid-level research, technical and professional positions within DOE and other organizations that support the DOE mission.
More Information HERE
The JPL Education Office manages numerous internship opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Find the program that's right for you below.
More Information HERE
The LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to perform cutting-edge research, learn from widely respected planetary scientists, and discover exciting careers in planetary science. During the 10-week internship, students have opportunities to participate in enrichment activities, including lectures and career development workshops.
More Information HERE
Wesleyan's Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program assists students from under-represented groups in preparing for, entering and progressing successfully through post-graduate education. Since 2007, the program has supported dozens of students many of who were first-generation college, low-income and from groups underrepresented in graduate school. The program provides guidance, research opportunities, and academic support to students planning to pursue PhDs.
More Information HERE
The Helen Fellowship at the American Natural History Museum requires Citizenship, geared towards women.
More Information HERE
Are you a recent college graduate from a traditionally underrepresented background who is highly motivated to pursue a research career? See if one of our post-baccalaureate programs is right for you. To participate in the Yale National Institutes of Health Post-Bac Research Education Program (NIH PREP), or the Emerging Scholars Initiative Post-Bac Research Education Program (ESI PREP), or the Cultural Heritage Research and Practice Post-Bac Program:
- You must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
- You have earned your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field prior to the start of the program, but no more than three years before you apply to the program.
More Information HERE
Are you a recent graduate looking for a STEM research internship or fellowship to take you beyond entry-level understanding and provide you with elements that are essential to a successful professional career? ORISE offers challenging research opportunities to help prepare recent graduates for a career in STEM while providing them with laboratory knowledge to use in pursuit of an advanced degree. Recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates are in a position to gain invaluable research experience in a variety of STEM-related disciplines. Graduates intent on remaining within th e academic community may find that a research experience provides the laboratory experience needed before moving on to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate.
More Information HERE
Careers In Industry
We post openings for jobs in industry on our LinkedIn page
Learn coding:
https://www.codecademy.com/learn
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
https://www.pythoninstitute.org/free-python-courses/
Compare company salaries for different levels of software engineering:
Career Resources for Astro/Physics Undergrads (compiled by Holly Brown)
Resources compiled by the Physics Department
Additional resources:
Career Services Resources (including subscriptions to online career guides and planners) --
Wildcat Joblink (UA Student Job Postings)
American Institute of Physics Career Resources
Society of Physics Students Career Resources
Society of Physics Students Job Board
SPS Career Toolbox for Undergraduate Physics Students
American Astronomical Society Career Resources