Honours Bachelor of Science Planetary Science

If you’re fascinated by planets, moons, and the processes that shape worlds across our solar system and beyond, the Honours Bachelor of Science in Planetary Science at the University of Toronto St. George is an exceptional choice. This specialist program immerses you in the science of planetary bodies, combining rigorous classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experience using state-of-the-art facilities and research opportunities.

At U of T, experiential learning is at the heart of your degree. You’ll develop practical skills and scientific expertise through:

• Field courses that take you out of the classroom and into real geological and planetary environments, with up to 10 days in the field learning industry-standard techniques used by geoscience and planetary science professionals.

• Access to advanced laboratories: For planetary materials analysis, geochemistry, and geophysics, where you’ll work directly with faculty and researchers on real scientific questions.

• Research opportunities: Such as the Research Opportunity Program, Directed Studies, Independent Experiential Study Projects, and Fourth Year Research Project courses, allowing you to dive deep into a topic and present your findings to peers or at research conferences.

• Hands-on courses like AST301H1: Where you’ll learn how telescopes work, conduct sky observations, and use modern techniques to measure the distances, motion, and chemical composition of celestial objects.

• Opportunities to participate in international and Indigenous field modules: With recent trips to destinations such as Türkiye, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, Iceland, Hawaii, and the southwestern USA, you will broaden your global perspective and scientific skills.

• The chance to engage with the Centre for Planetary Sciences: A tri-campus, cross-disciplinary research hub that connects you with leading researchers and provides a platform for collaborative projects across astronomy, geoscience, and planetary science.

• Capstone field courses in your senior year: Where you’ll integrate knowledge from geology, geophysics, and planetary science in varied field settings, examining how planetary processes shape worlds and influence human understanding.

• Access to world-class telescopes, high-performance computing resources, and data from major planetary missions: Through U of T’s connections with the Dunlap Institute, the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics.

Graduates of the University of Toronto St. George’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Planetary Science are highly employable, moving into roles such as research scientist, geoscientist, planetary scientist, data analyst, scientific programmer, environmental consultant, and science educator. Many alumni also pursue further studies in planetary science, earth science, geophysics, environmental science, civil engineering, or related fields at top institutions in Canada and internationally.

Here’s how U of T specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program offers hands-on training in the chemical, geological, and physical processes that define planetary environments. Students develop skills in experimental design, mathematical modelling, data analysis, and scientific communication. You can gain research experience through independent study courses, fieldwork, and research projects supervised by faculty. Opportunities include the External Shadowing Program (connecting you with professionals), work-study positions, and participation in student chapters of professional associations such as the Ontario Geological Survey and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The Department of Earth Sciences and the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics are internationally recognized for research in planetary geology, geochemistry, atmospheric science, and planetary system evolution. Students benefit from the university’s connections to organizations like the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association, Earth Sciences Canada, and ECO Canada. You’ll have access to advanced laboratory facilities, international field courses, and opportunities to work with professors on cutting-edge research projects.

• Employment Stats & Salary: While specific salary data for this program is not published, Earth and planetary science graduates from U of T are in demand for their analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills. Graduates secure roles in research, consulting, engineering, mining, environmental monitoring, information technology, and finance.

• Accreditation: The Honours Bachelor of Science in Planetary Science is fully recognised in Canada and internationally, and fulfils prerequisites for graduate and professional programs in science, engineering, and environmental fields.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with advanced skills in interpreting scientific data, experimental design, mathematical modelling, and scientific communication, as well as the ability to work in interdisciplinary and international contexts. The curriculum provides deep knowledge in planetary environments, with flexibility to combine with courses in chemistry, physics, geology, and computer science.

Further Academic Progression: After your Honours BSc in Planetary Science at U of T, you can pursue a master’s in planetary science, earth science, geophysics, environmental science, or related fields, or enter professional programs in engineering, education, or data science. The program’s strong research environment, faculty mentorship, and industry connections support a wide range of academic and professional pathways.