Planetary Science Minor
Explore how planets form, evolve, and develop the conditions that make them capable of supporting life. Open to students from any major, the Planetary Science Minor combines coursework in Astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences with interdisciplinary seminars and opportunities for research.
Students investigate planetary systems using approaches that range from telescope observations and remote sensing to geology, geochemistry, and computational modeling.
Planetary Science Minor at a Glance
Degree Type
Minor
Courses
5 Graded Courses
Format
On Campus
Research
Encouraged
Why the Planetary Science Minor?
The Planetary Science Minor introduces students to one of the most interdisciplinary fields in the natural sciences. By combining astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences, students develop the knowledge and tools to investigate how planets and planetary systems form, evolve, and interact.
Students begin with foundational coursework in both disciplines before exploring advanced topics such as exoplanets, planetary geology, cosmochemistry, remote sensing, geobiology, and planetary evolution. Along the way, they engage with current research through the Planetary Science Seminar and may participate in faculty-led research projects during the academic year or summer.
Opportunities and Research
Planetary Science students are encouraged to participate in faculty research throughout the academic year and summer. Opportunities may include telescope observations, laboratory experiments, planetary mapping, remote sensing, field studies, data analysis, and computational modeling.
Many students expand their experience through conference presentations, summer fellowships, and collaborations with faculty in Astronomy and Earth & Environmental Sciences.
