About the course

Caltech is one of the top centers of planetary science research in the world. We are active in most areas of study, not just through the efforts of planetary science faculty and students but because there are other parts of Caltech (astronomy, geology, geochemistry, environmental science and engineering) who contribute in major ways to this interdisciplinary field. proximity to JPL enhances our efforts. We have astronomical observers studying bodies in our solar system and planets around other stars, people who are involved in current and future spacecraft missions, people who study geology and processes on Mars, atmospheric circulation and chemistry in planetary atmospheres, indeed just about anything of interest in planetary science.In addition to general Institute and basic division requirements, candidates for the Ph.D. degree in planetary science must satisfy the following course requirements: Ge 101, Ge 102, and courses in planetary formation and dynamics (Ge/Ay 133), planetary atmospheres (Ge/ESE 150), planetary interiors (Ge 131), and planetary surfaces (Ge 151). In addition, students shall successfully complete 45 units of 100-level or higher courses in a coherent field of specialization. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of a subject minor or through a set of courses chosen in consultation with and approved by the adviser and the option representative. All candidates are expected to possess knowledge of physics and mathematics at the level of Ge 108, and higher-level mathematics and physics courses are strongly encouraged. This requirement may be met by previous coursework or through successful completion of this class. All candidates are expected to attend the planetary sciences seminar regularly and register for six terms of Ge 109 (planetary sciences section of oral communication) for a total of 6 units, nominally in the first year and second year. Satisfaction of the oral presentation coursework requirement includes at least one 30-minute presentation by the student in the planetary sciences seminar. Typically, students will present on their research work each year after the first year. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: US$175,437

Intake	Location
Fall (September), 2024	Pasadena
Fall (September), 2025	Pasadena

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for California Institute of Technology

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or the equivalent before beginning graduate study. Transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a CV, and the applicant's statement of purpose are required components of the application and are carefully and equally weighed during the evaluation process. GRE scores (subject and general) may be required, strongly recommended, or optional based upon the specific option requirements. Applicants who are required to submit test scores should include self-reported scores on the application, if available, and request official score reports from ETS. The official scores will be used to verify the self-reported scores.

　　Caltech does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, most successful applicants have a US GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and/or are in the top 5 to 10% of their class. Applicants whose first or native language is not English are asked to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application procedure. Caltech recognizes scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Pearson's Test of English Academic (PTE)

　　

English language requirements

　　6.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 60.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　7th / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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