Outcomes for Recent Graduates — Astronomy, Boston University

Degree Completion
Time to Degree (Source: NRC, 2006) ?
Completing your doctorate quickly is less expensive and minimizes the delay before starting a career.
Median years required to complete a doctorate (full-time and part-time students)	6.2
Completion Rates (Source: NRC, 2006) ?
A high 6-year completion rate suggests that faculty mentors emphasize the timely completion of graduation requirements.
Fraction of students completing a doctorate in 6 years	32%
Employment Outcomes
Quality Assurance (Source: NRC, 2006)
Program collects outcome data about all of its graduates	Yes
Employment Status at Graduation † (Source: SED, 2000–2004)
Job / contract / definite commitment ?	73%
High scores for this variable suggest that the program does a good job of helping students find jobs or that its graduates are more competitive in the marketplace.
Negotiating with specific organizations	0%
Still seeking	27%*
Other	0%*
Type of Job † (Source: SED, 2000–2004)
(For those with a definite commitment at graduation)
Postdoc	79%*
Educational institution (nonpostdoctoral position)	S

Private sector	S
Government	S
Primary Job Responsibilities † (Source: SED, 2000–2004)
(For those with a definite commitment at graduation)
Research and development	S
Teaching	S
Management or administration	S
Professional services to individuals	S
Job Location † (Source: SED, 2000–2004)
(For non-US citizens on temporary visas with a definite commitment at graduation)
In the United States	S
Outside the United States	S

* Value is missing. The value shown is based on the average for other programs in the same field. Learn more.

† Data are for all degree recipients in the field from Boston University and may include graduates from more than one program.