Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, MS
Program Overview
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, MS
The department offers two named options for an MS degree. The Research MS named option can be earned as part of the path toward a PhD degree or earned as a terminal degree. The Professional MS named option is for students who are focused on developing the practical skills to succeed in meteorological consulting, risk management, and operational forecasting. Both degrees offer significant opportunities within the public and private sectors.
Program Overview
The department currently has 20 faculty members and many staff members involved in large and energetic research programs. Particular strengths include:
- Climate/earth system science
- Geophysical fluid dynamics
- Remote sensing
- Planetary boundary layer
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Weather systems and prediction
- Oceanography Course concentrations within the existing degree program are offered in the areas of:
- Weather prediction
- Earth system science
- Remote sensing
- Oceanography
Admissions
Students apply to the MS in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences through one of the named options:
- Research Program
- Professional Program
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include:
- Assistantships
- Fellowships
- Traineeships
- Financial aid Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.
Program Resources
Financial assistance is available to qualified students. The typical sources of funding are:
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships All applicants are considered for any available assistantships. Financial aid is handled separately from admission in the department.
Requirements
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Curricular Requirements
- Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
- Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
- Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework
- Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
Other Grade Requirements
See Named Options for requirements information.
Assessments and Examinations
See Named Options for requirements information.
Language Requirements
No language requirements.
Named Options
A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences must select one of the named options:
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Professional Program, MS
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Research Program, MS
Policies
Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:
- Research Program
- Professional Program
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Program Resources
Please refer to the AOS handbook to see the professional development resources available to graduate students.
Learning Outcomes
- Acquisition of a broad foundation of knowledge contained in graduate-level core courses
- Have learned the historical origin and significance of certain issues central to the field by conducting original research (Research Program)
- Development of good problem-solving skills that prepare students to become efficient supporting scientists for research institutions or effective career atmospheric professionals in operational units of government or commercial institutions
- Articulate, critique, or elaborate the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in the field of study (Research Program)
- Recognition and application of principles of ethical and professional conduct
- Gain practical hands-on experience in professional atmospheric science careers (Professional Program)