One of the department’s primary focuses is the training of new, young scientists. The Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS) offers the M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. A Minor in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS Minor) is offered for undergraduates pursuing careers where knowledge in these areas can be an advantage. In addition to academics, the research center CAS is committed to direct, hands-on involvement in research by students. Students are an integral part of all of CAS’s research activities and use their research experiences to take their education to a deeper level. The Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences is especially devoted to increasing the participation of minorities in the fields of atmospheric and planetary sciences.