Graduate Schools for Planetary Science

Planetary science is a dynamic and diverse discipline. Typically, research scientists earn a PhD in a field such as geology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, etc. while focusing their research in that area to planetary or solar system oriented topics. Because of the great diversity in represented fields, we have attempted to compile a list of the graduate programs which can lead to a PhD with a planetary science focus. The data are divided into groups based on location, either in the USA/Canada or International. The USA/Canada group is further subdivided by size as defined by the number of planetary science researchers at the institution based on DPS membership. The individual program entries include information on the major fields of study/research, degrees offered, and information related to applying for the particular graduate program. The information here is meant as a starting point, a first-stop to see a summary of such information all at once. Of course, if you plan to apply to any of these programs, be sure to contact them directly in order to get the most up-to-date details. In general, application deadlines are in December for admission to the program in the following Fall semester and will typically require GRE scores at the time of the application, so plan ahead!

While the list is extensive, it is most likely not comprehensive and we are always happy to add programs as we find out about them. If you have any additions, corrections, or additional information, please email us! — David Klassen, Sanlyn Buxner

If you would like information about obtaining career advice, see the DPS MentorNet program.

This spreadsheet lists open MS/PhD positions in planetary science starting Fall 2021. If you are faculty and would like to be added to this list, please fill out the form here.

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Institution Department
Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration
Boston University Astronomy
Brigham Young University, Provo Physics and Astronomy
Brown University Planetary Geosciences
California Institute of Technology Geological and Planetary Sciences
Catholic University of America Institute for Astrophysics and Computational Science
Clemson University Physics & Astronomy
Colorado School of Mines Geophysics
Cornell University Astronomy
Curtin University School of Earth & Planetary Sciences (Space Science & Technology Centre)
Florida Institute of Technology Physics and Space Sciences
George Mason University Physics and Astronomy
Georgia Institute of Technology School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Hampton University Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
Harvard University Earth and Planetary Sciences
Howard University Physics and Astronomy
Institutet för rymdfysik Swedish Institute of Space Physics
Johns Hopkins University Earth and Planetary Sciences
Johns Hopkins University Earth and Planetary Sciences
Kansas University Physics