Programs Majoring in Planetary Science?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to continue majoring in astrophysics or switch to geology/geosciences, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a master's or PhD in planetary science. The individual has completed the necessary physics and math prerequisites and is contemplating the best path to prepare for graduate school. Key considerations include the relevance of each major to specific interests within planetary science, such as planetary dynamics and analyzing Martian rock samples. The individual expresses a desire to explore multiple aspects of planetary science, including surficial and environmental geology, but is uncertain about how these emphases will align with their goals. The lack of concrete information from academic resources adds to the complexity of the decision.
PeteWheatstraw
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I am currently majoring in astrophysics as an undergrad, but my eventual goal is to have a masters or PhD in planetary science. I'm at the point of the course ladder where I've finished up the vanilla physics and math prereqs in order to start on my major specific courses.

Long story short, I can still switch to geology/geosciences without having to back track. My main question is should I stick with astrophysics, switch to geology, or grind out a double major in both in order to be eligible for planetary science grad school?

I'm having problems finding any concrete information on the subject and emailed CIPS at Berkeley and haven't gotten a response.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
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Either will work, so I think it depends mostly on what you want to do. For example, if you want to do planetary dynamics/evolution, then astrophysics would be the better route. If you wanted to analyze rock samples on Mars, then geoscience would be better.
 
Ha, I want to do all of the above.

But I guess to be more specific, the emphases within geology I'm considering is in surficial and environmental geology. I'm not sure if that will translate well to the planetary side of things though.
 
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Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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