Upon completion of the Ph.D. program in Planetary Sciences, a student will:
- demonstrate a broad, quantitative understanding of the fundamental processes, including physical, chemical, geological, and biological, related to planetary sciences, broadly defined. Planetary sciences includes, but is not limited to, the science of the Sun, planets and their moons, other Solar System objects, and objects orbiting other stars;
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a subfield related to planetary sciences (minor);
- demonstrate ability to design, conduct, and document an independent research project that generates results that can be published in the peer-reviewed literature;
- effectively evaluate the scientific literature essential to the research area and articulate how the research is related to and advances the discipline;
- effectively communicate their research to peers and colleagues (e.g. peer-reviewed literature, national or international conferences and workshops, and seminars);
- effectively communicate their science to a broader audience, including its basic aspects to a lay person.