Master in Planetary Science

Tuition costs 60,816 USD per year, and the application deadline for the Sep 2027 intake is Jan 1, 2027.

The Master in Planetary Science at California Institute of Technology is a 2-year program for students with a Bachelor's degree. It provides students with a strong foundation in planetary formation, evolution, and exploration. The program's main advantage is its interdisciplinary approach, combining astronomy, geology, and biology.

The curriculum covers subjects like planetary atmospheres, astrobiology, and spacecraft operations. Students develop skills in data analysis, programming, and scientific writing. The program also includes hands-on components, such as telescope observations and laboratory experiments.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Planetary Scientist, Astronomer, Spacecraft Engineer, Research Scientist, or Professor. They can work in industries like space exploration, aerospace engineering, or academia, with employers like NASA, SpaceX, or the European Space Agency.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena is internationally renowned for its focus on science and engineering and for a research environment that emphasizes discovery and innovation. Founded in 1891, Caltech combines small class sizes with world-class faculty and a culture that encourages independent inquiry. The institute’s achievements in fundamental research and technology transfer make it a top choice for students seeking an intensive STEM education and close mentorship from leading scholars.

Caltech offers a compact, high-impact academic setting where undergraduates and graduate students participate directly in cutting-edge projects across physics, biology, engineering and computation. Research opportunities are abundant and accessible, with students contributing to labs, observatories and centers that address global challenges. The collaborative, interdisciplinary approach cultivates both deep technical expertise and the ability to work across fields.

As a relatively small campus community, Caltech provides strong academic support, mentorship and networking in the greater Los Angeles research ecosystem. For international students drawn to rigorous STEM training, Caltech delivers concentrated resources, hands-on research experiences and pathways to meaningful scientific contribution in industry, academia and public service.