Planetary Science M.A. Concentration
Expand your graduate studies through an interdisciplinary concentration that brings together astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences. Open to eligible M.A. and B.A./M.A. students in the natural sciences and mathematics, the Planetary Science Concentration combines advanced coursework, participation in the Planetary Science Seminar, and original thesis research.
Students explore how planets and planetary systems form, evolve, and develop the potential to support life.
Planetary Science M.A. Concentration at a Glance
Credential
Concentration
Eligibility
Eligible M.A. and B.A./M.A. students
Coursework
4 approved graduate courses
Thesis
Original Research Required
Why the Planetary Science Concentration?
The Planetary Science Concentration allows graduate students to expand their primary field of study through interdisciplinary coursework and research. Students explore questions spanning planetary geology, cosmochemistry, exoplanets, astrobiology, remote sensing, and planetary evolution while working across the boundaries of traditional scientific disciplines.
By combining expertise from Astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences, the concentration prepares students to investigate planetary systems using observational, experimental, computational, and field-based approaches.
Opportunities and Research
Planetary Science Seminar
Students participate in a shared interdisciplinary seminar each semester, engaging with current research and connecting with faculty and graduate students across Astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences.
Research
Graduate students work alongside faculty investigating topics that range from the formation of planetary systems and exoplanets to planetary geology, remote sensing, cosmochemistry, and astrobiology. Through original research, students develop specialized expertise while contributing to ongoing scientific discovery.
