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Program at a Glance

Program
Doctorate
College(s)
College of Sciences
Department(s)
Physics
$369.65 per credit hour
$1,194.05 per credit hour

Learn more about program tuition and fees.

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2022-2023

The goal of the Planetary Sciences Track of the Physics PhD program is to foster a vibrant Planetary Science research environment that can attract top students, researchers, and faculty and contribute significantly to the exploration of space. The Planetary Sciences track is designed to prepare students to be competitive in the global planetary sciences research community.

Total Credit Hours Required: 72 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree. 42 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree.

This includes completion of 6 required courses (18 credit hours), 5 elective courses (15 credit hours) of regular course work, and a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation. Courses must be selected so that at least 36 of the 72 hours are at 6000 level or higher. No more than 12 hours of independent study may be credited toward the PhD degree. The PhD includes a Candidacy Exam to be taken after the completion of the core and elective courses, a written dissertation, and a dissertation defense before the student's Supervisory Committee.

Application Deadlines

Spring
December 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
July 1
Fall
December 1

Ready to get started?

Career Opportunities

UCF prepares you for life beyond the classroom. Here, you’ll experience a wide range of opportunity, like learning diverse skills from world-renowned faculty to networking with top employers across Central Florida to gaining first-hand experience in internships nearby. Achieve your degree and more as a Knight.
  • Agricultural Research Director
  • Atomic Physics Professor
  • High School Biology Teacher
  • High School History Teacher
  • Mathematical Physicist
  • Medical Physics Professor
  • Nuclear Physics Professor
  • Physical Science Professor
  • Research Physicist

University of Central Florida Colleges