天文学系提供了丰富多样的理论，观察和实验性研究生课程，从而获得了天文学博士学位。这项研究是在哈佛大学天文台进行的，该天文台与史密森尼天体物理天文台共享建筑物和一般设施。这两个天文台共同构成了哈佛-史密森天体物理学中心（CfA）：一个庞大而多样的研究环境，为从原子物理学到宇宙学的几乎所有天体物理学工作提供了机会，从伽玛射线探测器到无线电天线。超过360名博士科学家在CfA从事工作，为学生提供了广泛的论文主题选择，并通过课程和研讨会激发了正式和非正式学习的机会。哈佛大学的研究生受益于这种多样化的环境，可以使用
The Department of Astronomy offers a rich and varied program of theoretical, observational, and experimental graduate work leading to the PhD in astronomy. Research is carried out at the Harvard College Observatory, which shares buildings and general facilities with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Together, the two observatories constitute the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA): a large and diverse research setting that provides opportunities in nearly every branch of astrophysical work, from atomic physics to cosmology using the full range of techniques from gamma ray detectors through radio antennas. Over 360 PhD scientists are engaged in work at the CfA, providing students with an unusually wide choice of dissertation topics and stimulating opportunities for both formal and informal learning through courses and seminars. Graduate students at Harvard benefit from this diverse environment, have access to extensive facilities, and pursue their work in a supportive and stimulating setting. The program of graduate study is designed to make Harvard PhD students first-rate researchers with a broad knowledge of astrophysics and competence in teaching. To do this, we have constructed an advising program and a set of requirements to help students develop their astrophysical understanding, and to carry through a successful thesis in a timely way.