Program Overview

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Doctor of Philosophy in Planetary Sciences (Doctoral)

Overview

The Department of Planetary Sciences offers multidisciplinary programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in planetary sciences. Areas of specialization include, but are not restricted to, the experimental, observational and theoretical study of planetary atmospheres; the interiors of planets and planetary satellites; asteroid and cometary astronomy and physics; meteoritics; 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.

Coursework Location(s)

• Main/Tucson

Areas of Interest

• Physical & Space Sciences

Minimum Credit Units

• 54 Units

Required units may vary depending on the degree and/or minors pursued. Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the policies for the particular degrees in which they are interested.

Graduate College Admissions Requirements

Minimum graduate admissions requirements* for Master’s and Doctoral degree seeking:

1. An awarded four-year undergraduate bachelor degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable international degree recognized by the home country Ministry of Education. (For international students see Minimum International Degree Requirements.)
2. Proof of English proficiency is required for international applicants who hold citizenship from a country where English is not the official language. (View our English Requirement list to verify your need to submit an English proficiency test.)
3. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher based on a 4.0 scale for Degree seeking applicants.

*Individual programs may have additional requirements, such as a higher minimum GPA or test scores, please verify requirements with your program of interest. Applicants will also be required to submit a statement of purpose and at least one letter of recommendation.

Program Statistics

Program-level

• Application Accept. Rate: 11.69%
• Avg. Time-to-degree: 5.7921 Years

Department-level

• Enrollment % Male: 46.15%
• Enrollment % Female: 53.84%
• Enrollment % International: 23.08%
• Enrollment % Under Rep. Minorities: 7.69%

*All application, admission, and enrollment data are calculated in the fall of each academic year.

Average Time to Degree is a calculation showing the average time it took students in the program to complete their degree from the point of entry. This number is based on data from the previous 5 years.

Underrepresented Minorities (URM) includes domestic students of ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

Department / Academic Unit

• College of Science
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Program Coordinator

• Amy Brenton

Director of Graduate Studies

• Tommi Koskinen