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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Planetary Science, Bachelor of Science

Requirements for major in Planetary Science

Physics (20 Hours)

ASTR 105Introduction to Astronomy

4
ASTR 205Life in the Universe

3
ASTR 306Astrophysics

3
PHYS 221General Physics I

4
PHYS 222General Physics II

4
PHYS 331Experimental Physics I

2

Math & Computing Science (11 Hours)

CSCI 115Computer Programming I

3
MATH 125Calculus I

4
MATH 224Calculus II

4

Capstone (4-5 Hours)

Choose either the Geology Research or Physics Research capstone series.
GEOL 411Directed Research

2
GEOL 412Directed Research Writing

2
Or
PHYS 391Physics Research Seminar

1
PHYS 491Physics Research I

2
PHYS 492Physics Research II

2

Geology (28 Hours)

GEOL 111Physical Geology

4
GEOL 112Historical Geology

4
GEOL 301Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology

4
GEOL 303Mineralogy & Optical Mineralogy

4
GEOL 302Structural Geology

3
GEOL 304/GIS 304Introduction to GIS Mapping & Analysis

4
GEOL 313Sedimentation & Stratigraphy

3

Chemistry (4 Hours)

CHEM 131General Chemistry I

3
CHEM 133General Chemistry Laboratory I

1
CHEM 123 may be taken in place of CHEM 133. However, please note that the virtual labs will not fulfill prerequisites for upper-level chemistry courses.

Total Credit Hours: 67-68

CSCI 116 and GEOL 201 are strongly encouraged but not required.

Additional suggested courses include: GEOL 306, CHEM 132 & CHEM 134, ASTR 305, PHYS 321, and GIS 305.