First-of-its-kind Planetary Geoscience major announced at UArizona

The College of Science at the University of Arizona is now offering a first-of-its-kind Bachelors of Science degree in Planetary Geoscience by combining courses and research opportunities in two internationally recognized, top-ranked departments — Planetary Sciences and Geosciences.

The curriculum for the Planetary Geoscience major builds on a foundation of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, establishes core knowledge and skills through a set of geoscience courses, advances through upper-level planetary science classes, and culminates in a capstone research or field experience.

“The University of Arizona was a leader in planetary geoscience at the dawn of the space race, it is at the forefront of solar system exploration today, and with this new major we are investing in the future generation of planetary explorers," said Dr. Jeff Andrews-Hanna, Associate Professor of Planetary Sciences at UArizona.

The Planetary Geosciences major will prepare students for science and industry careers in the rapidly expanding field of planetary science and exploration, including Earth and its Moon, the planets, their satellites, and myriad minor bodies in the solar system, as well as exoplanetary systems.

Upon completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to pursue employment opportunities as a scientist at a research institute such as NASA or in the rapidly growing private sectors of space exploration, engineering, and monitoring; traditional geoscience industry, governmental, and consulting careers; researcher or teacher in academia; science policy; science journalism; or any career relying on quantitative skills, data analysis, and/or problem solving.

Learn more:

Department of Geosciences at UArizona

Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and the Department of Planetary Sciences at UArizona