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University of Arizona

Department of Planetary Sciences / LPL

Graduate Program

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Minor Classes

To supplement the major area of study, each student is expected to take a significant portion of the basic graduate course work in other departments. This is formalized by requiring a minor in a field that is both interesting to the student and approved by the faculty advisor. The purpose of the minor is to deepen your knowledge of a subject that will support your research in Planetary Science. At least 12 units of A,B,C,D,E graded, 500-level work must be completed in the minor field with at least a 3.0 average, and Form 3A must be submitted (with the correct signatures) to Pam Streett before you take your preliminary exam. Accepted minor departments include (but are not limited to) Geosciences, Computer Science, Atmospheric Sciences, Global Change, Optical Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. The PtyS minor option is also available to students wishing to minor in areas like Astronomy, Theoretical Astrophysics, and Remote Sensing. In all cases, at least 8 units must be completed within a single department.

If you choose to minor outside of the Department of Planetary Sciences, it is highly suggested that you check with the specific department for their requirements for a minor. There may be particular courses that you need to take or other requirements that are needed in order to fulfill the requirements for a minor.

If a student already has a Masters degree in a relevant scientific discipline, the minor course requirement may be waived by petition and approval of the entire faculty. In this case, the Graduate Admissions and Advising Committee will designate appropriate members of the University faculty to create and administer a two- to three-hour written exam. The Graduate Admissions and Advising Committee will advise the Planetary Sciences faculty on whether the student has passed this examination.

Minor outside the Planetary Sciences Department

Many departments support a minor program in the university. Your choice of department and the courses within that department must be made in consultation with your advisor, the minor Department, and the Graduate Admissions and Advising Committee. You must choose a minor advisor and one other faculty member from that department to serve on your preliminary exam committee; instructors of classes you take in the minor are usually good choices. Most departments will require an exam of some sort when you complete the minor. Because the exact requirements vary by department, the best way to get current information is to go to the individual department office and ask.

Minor in Planetary Sciences

A program of courses designed by the student, advisor, and Graduate Admissions and Advising Committee can be taken within the Planetary Sciences minor. This allows the student to minor in a customized program or one that is not offered through another department. The Graduate Admissions and Advising Committee will designate a minor chair. The exam at the completion of the minor will usually consist of the final exams (or equivalents) in the minor classes.