PhD Planetary Sciences at University of Arizona

Programme 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;

Faculty: College of Science | Duration: 6 years / 63 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

What you will study

Core coursework : 12 units of core courses, consisting of 2 courses from the Physics group, and one each from the Chemistry and Geology groups: PHYSICS Principles of Planetary Physics (3) Principles of Planetary Physics (3) Atmospheres and Remote Sensing (3) Solar System Dynamics (3) CHEMISTRY Cosmochemistry (3) Chemistry of the Solar System (3) GEOLOGY Planetary Global.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate College minimum (applies to all programmes; departments may add requirements): regionally accredited bachelor's degree or comparable international degree and a minimum 3.00 GPA for degree programmes on a 4.00 scale. The Graduate College does not require the GRE, though individual programmes may. Programme-specific requirements are listed in the Graduate Admissions Guide.

Domestic applicants: USD 15,500 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

International applicants: USD 35,800 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Non-Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

Spring semester begins January 13 and fall semester begins August 23 for undergraduate international students; for graduate students spring begins January 14 and fall August 25.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions

Explore more study programmes

Engineering