加州理工学院是全球行星科学研究的顶级中心之一。我们在大多数研究领域都很活跃，不仅通过行星科学系和学生的努力，还因为加州理工学院的其他部门（天文学，地质学，地球化学，环境科学和工程学）在这一跨学科领域做出了重大贡献。靠近JPL可以加强我们的努力。我们有天文观测员研究太阳系中的物体以及其他恒星周围的行星，参与当前和未来航天器任务的人们，研究火星的地质和过程，行星大气中的大气环流和化学的人们，实际上几乎是任何感兴趣的事物除了一般研究所和基本部门的要求外，还应聘有博士学位。行星科学学位必须满足以下课程要求：Ge
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.