Atmospheric Physics, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Atmospheric Physics Ph.D. program at UMBC requires 46 credits, including core courses, electives, and research. Students must pass a qualifying exam, submit a research proposal, and defend their dissertation. The program prepares graduates for careers in atmospheric physics research and related fields.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The program requires a minimum of 46 credits consisting of:
• 3 core courses (3 credits each): PHYS 621, PHYS 622, and PHYS 640
• 5 graduate elective courses (3 credits each)
• At least 2 of the 5 electives should be specialized ATPH courses
• Additional required courses:
• PHYS 690 - Professional Techniques in Physics
• PHYS 698 - Physics Seminar (3 semesters)
• PHYS 899 - Doctoral Research (minimum of 18 credit hours)

Assessment:

• Qualifying exam with written and oral components testing knowledge in first-year ATPH physics and research abilities.
• Written and oral PhD research proposal.
• PhD Dissertation defended before a Final PhD Committee.

Other:

• Students must secure a tenure-track member of the Department of Physics faculty to serve as their PhD research advisor.
• Students form a Preliminary PhD Committee consisting of the advisor and at least two other faculty members (two must be tenure-track).
• Admission to PhD Candidacy requires completion of all required coursework (except PHYS 899), the Qualifying Examination, and the PhD Proposal.
• All students must be voted into PhD Candidacy by the start of their 4th year in the program.
• The Chair of the Final PhD Committee must be a tenure-track member of the Department of Physics.
• You can also access the UMBC Graduate Faculty listing: https://gradschool.umbc.edu/faculty/ (UMBC Graduate Faculty►)