Planetary Sciences Graduate Program

Planetary Sciences Graduate Program

The Department of Planetary Sciences offers multidisciplinary research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in Planetary Sciences. The department also offers a graduate minor in Planetary Sciences and administers a graduate minor in Astrobiology.

Areas of specialization include, but are not restricted to: the experimental, observational, and theoretical study of planetary atmospheres in the solar system and elsewhere; the surfaces and interiors of planets and planetary satellites; asteroid and cometary astronomy and physics; the study of meteorites and returned samples of extraterrestrial bodies; problems of plasma physics associated with cosmic rays; the solar wind and its interaction with solar system bodies; celestial dynamics; solar physics; and investigations of the formation of the solar system and other planetary systems.

On the way to completing the Ph.D., students may choose to pursue coursework for a Graduate Certificate (PDF) in other related topics.

Course Catalog

Course descriptions for graduate courses in the Department of Planetary Sciences.

View Course Catalog

Class Schedules

Graduate-level Planetary Science (PTYS) class schedules for upcoming semesters.

View Fall 2024 Schedule
View Spring 2025 Schedule

Questions?

Academic Advisor

Amy Brenton
520-621-6954
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Focus on Graduate Students

Read about graduate research at LPL.

View Graduate Focus Stories