Program Overview

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Introduction to the Planetary Sciences Track in the Physics PhD Program

The Planetary Sciences Track within the Physics PhD program is a unique opportunity for students to explore the wonders of our solar system and beyond. This track emphasizes research from the first semester, with a focus on writing a paper and submitting it to a journal as a candidacy requirement.

Applying to the Track

To apply to the Planetary Sciences Track, students must meet the general UCF graduate admissions requirements. The application process involves submitting an online application, which includes providing a CV, unofficial transcript, application essay, and indicating interest in working with specific faculty members.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the track requires a Bachelor of Science or equivalent, typically in physics, astronomy, geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheric sciences, biology, mathematics, or planetary sciences. Students without full academic preparation in relevant natural sciences may be required to complete specified coursework in addition to the core program.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines are as follows:

• Domestic applications: December 1 (Fall Priority), July 1 (Fall), December 1 (Spring)
• International applications: December 1 (Fall), December 1 (Spring)

About the Track in the Physics Program

The Planetary Sciences Track offers a unique blend of coursework and research opportunities. Students can expect to take a range of core courses, including Advanced Planetary Geophysics, Advanced Observational Astronomy, and Planetary Atmospheres.

Courses in the Track

The track offers the following courses:

• Core courses:
  • AST 5154: Advanced Planetary Geophysics
  • AST 5263: Advanced Observational Astronomy
  • AST 5765: Advanced Astronomical Data Analysis
  • AST 5151: Physics of Planetary Processes
  • AST 6165: Planetary Atmospheres
  • PHY 6246: Classical Mechanics
• Very strongly-recommended electives:
  • AST 5145: Advanced Asteroids Comets Meteorites
  • AST 6112: Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems
• Other electives:
  • PHY 5524: Statistical Physics
  • AST 5038: Astrobiology
  • AST 5334: Extrasolar Planets and Brown Dwarfs
  • AST 6156: Current Topics in Planetary Science
  • AST 6938: Special Topics
  • PHZ 5156: Computational Physics
  • MAP 6469: Bayesian Analysis & Approximation Theory
  • OSE 5041: Introduction to Wave Optics
  • OSE 5203: Geometrical Optics

Example Course Sequences for Graduate Students

Here are some example course sequences for graduate students in the Planetary Sciences Track:

• Students entering in Fall 2025:
  • Fall 2025: PHY 6246 (3cr) Classical Mechanics, AST 5151 (3cr) Physics of Planetary Processes, AST 5765 (3cr) Advanced Astronomical Data Analysis
  • Spring 2026: AST 6165 (3cr) Planetary Atmospheres, AST 5263 (3cr) Advanced Observational Astronomy, Research or elective (3cr)
  • Summer 2026: Research (6cr)
• Students entering in Fall 2026:
  • Fall 2026: PHY 6246 (3cr) Classical Mechanics, AST 5145 (3cr) Advanced Asteroids Comets Meteorites, AST 5765 (3cr) Advanced Astronomical Data Analysis
  • Spring 2027: AST 6112 (3cr) Origin and Evolution of Planetary Systems, AST 5154 (3cr) Advanced Planetary Geophysics, Research or elective (3cr)
  • Summer 2027: Research (6cr)

Financial Assistance

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. The university also has a policy regarding parental leave for GTAs and GRAs, providing paid leave for up to six weeks.