UCF Launches 1st Planetary and Space Sciences PhD Program in Florida

As SpaceU, UCF is pushing the boundaries of exploration by launching a groundbreaking new doctoral program in the planetary and space sciences. Now, aspiring researchers can apply to the inaugural cohort of the program, which launches in Fall 2026 and is offered through the College of Sciences’ Department of Physics.

Apply to the planetary and space sciences doctoral program by the Dec. 1, 2025, priority deadline.

“It’s relatively unusual to have a separate PhD program in planetary and space sciences like this,” says Yan Fernandez, professor of physics and director of the new doctoral program. “It’s an exciting step forward. We have a large number of faculty working on planetary science, and there are very few universities with that kind of knowledge in one place.”

The new doctoral program takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating elements from astrobiology, astronomy, data analysis, geology, physics, and more. The program originated as a planetary sciences track within the physics doctoral program and has been approved by the Florida Board of Governors as the state’s first and only doctoral program in planetary and space sciences.

“As SpaceU, we are aiming to be the premier engineering and technology university in the state and a destination for space-focused learning in the world,” says Addie Dove, professor and chair of the Department of Physics. “We want to ensure the programs we offer reflect the university’s strategic approach as well as what’s necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.”

What Students Can Expect from the Program

The new degree will position graduates for employment opportunities that are projected to grow in Florida and nationwide. Program graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary for roles in governmental agencies such as NASA, the private space industry, academia, and research institutions. Graduates will be prepared to work as scientists in such fields as astronomy, atmospheric physics, space science, and geoscience.

“This program is not just for physics students, but also for students who have studied geology, engineering, data science, or many other STEM fields,” Dove says. “We have a number of faculty who built hardware that has gone or will travel into space, and there’s an opportunity for students with more of an engineering background to pursue this doctorate.”

“Having a strong foundation in scientific thinking is important, whether individuals are building hardware going to other planetary surfaces, working on next-generation telescopes, or considering problems that have not even been imagined yet,” she continues.

The program broadens the areas of study to include not only physics but also astrochemistry, astrogeology, astrobiology, and scientific instrument development. Fernandez also emphasizes the importance of big data and machine learning in planetary science.

“There’s a need for a program like this because we are awash in data,” Fernandez says. “Students who understand these aspects of big data, efficient programming, and working on problems in planetary science can contribute in many ways to innovative research and to cutting-edge science.”

Fueling the Future of Space

Dove notes that students who have pursued the initial planetary sciences track in the physics doctorate program have successfully worked on space-related research.

“There are many possibilities available through the program’s large network,” she says. “Many of our students obtain internships or fellowships over the course of their studies, and we create high-impact experiences within our classes. Our graduates have become postdocs and have worked on spacecraft missions. Some have continued into academia, some have worked for NASA, and we have also seen students go on to work for companies that develop hardware and technology to send to space.”

Dove shares that it is important to be responsive to the changing needs of industry, while providing opportunities for students to collaborate in ways that reflect how researchers work in planetary science and across STEM fields.

“We wanted to ensure that the program reflected the values of our department, college, and university and embraced our shared passion to boldly push the frontiers of knowledge,” Dove says.

Note to Prospective Students: Enrollment is currently open for Fall 2026 admission, with a priority deadline of Dec. 1, 2025. You may apply after the early deadline, and can reach out to faculty with research areas of interest. Be sure to apply to the planetary and space sciences doctoral program, and not the track. Contact planets@ucf.edu for more information.