Dual Ph.D. Degree in Astrobiology and Meteorology

Students interested in the emerging field of Astrobiology may wish to obtain a dual-title degree in Astrobiology and Meteorology. The pursuit of this dual title entails additional coursework beyond the degree requirements set forth here (see the Graduate Bulletin http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/programs/abiol.htm for further details concerning these course and other program requirements), as well as the participation of at least one Astrobiology program faculty member on the dissertation committee. The Astrobiology representative, who assists with the selection of courses, may be the advisor and have an appointment in Meteorology.

In addition to passing the departmental Ph. D. Candidacy exam that all Meteorology doctoral students must take, all dual-title students must pass a second Candidacy Examination that assesses their potential in the field of astrobiology. The structure and timing of the second candidacy examination will be determined jointly by the dual-title and major program. The field of Astrobiology should be integrated into the comprehensive examination. A Ph.D. dissertation that contributes fundamentally to the field of Astrobiology is required. A public oral presentation of the dissertation is required.