Program Overview
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with expertise in understanding and predicting weather and climate systems through research opportunities. The program is organized around research experience, and students will have the opportunity to actively contribute to significant research areas.
Program of Study
The program of study is customized to learn about concepts such as atmospheric physics, atmospheric dynamics, environmental geochemistry, hydrometeorology, synoptic dynamic meteorology, aerosol physics, and cloud chemistry. The program is organized around research experience, and students will have the opportunity to actively contribute to significant research areas.
Course Requirements
- A minimum of 45 hours of graduate credit in courses, seminars, and independent study in atmospheric, environmental, and other sciences or mathematics.
- These requirements must be satisfied by coursework with research leading to a dissertation.
- See the MS Atmospheric Science for course requirements.
Departmental Examinations
- Written Qualifying Examination: The written exam covers the student's program area: synoptic-dynamic meteorology, physical meteorology, and atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimatology, and environmental systems.
- Oral Qualifying Examination: The oral exam is based on the student's written prospectus that describes the basis and approach for their dissertation research.
- Dissertation Defense: An oral presentation and defense of the dissertation.
Ancillary Duties
- Satisfactory performance in teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to academic development.
Dissertation
- A dissertation in the student's area of specialization, which represents a significant and original contribution in the field of atmospheric or environmental systems.
Full-Time Study in Residence
- Students are required to engage in full-time study beyond the master's degree or equivalent at the University in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program.
- This requirement is designed to ensure a sustained period of intensive intellectual growth.
- Students will enroll in full-time study (12 credits) taken in each of two sessions, or in a regular session and a summer session, not necessarily consecutive.
Professional Development
- Students will work with their faculty advisor to develop a mentoring plan that includes professional development support.
- In most instances, financial support is available through research grants to attend national conferences and for travel support.
Research
Research projects are funded by federal, state, and corporate grants. In addition to covering the costs of doing research and presenting results at international conferences, grants cover student tuition and a stipend.
Research Opportunities
- Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes
- Mountain and Topography Influences
- Climate Modeling
- Urban Climate and Weather
- Glacier-Climate Interactions
- Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning
- Solar and Wind Energy
- Synoptic / Dynamic Meteorology and Atmospheric Chemistry
Opportunities for Individuals from Underrepresented Groups
- The department encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to contact faculty members to discuss research opportunities.
- Other opportunities might exist through university or external diversity fellowship programs that will allow students to work with a faculty member to craft a unique research project.
Teaching and Research Assistantships
- Students will have teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) opportunities under the supervision of departmental faculty.
- TAs and RAs are typically paid for 20 hours of work per week.
- TA and RA graduate students have equal annual pay.
Teaching Assistant
- The major duties of TAs include grading course assignments, quizzes, and exams, leading discussion sections, monitoring lab exercises, holding office hours, and assisting with other tasks as assigned.
- Some courses are taught fully online, and the main interaction with students takes place via online resources, such as Brightspace.
Research Assistant
- The major duties of RAs are to assist the professor with a specific research project.
- This typically includes analyses, experiments and labs, simulations, programming, and writing and publishing research papers.
- This work is usually immediately related to the student's thesis or PhD work.
Career Outcomes
- With a PhD in Atmospheric Science, students will be prepared for a career in forecasting, research, agriculture, and education.
- Potential job titles include:
- University professor
- Atmospheric scientist
- Meteorologist
- Geospatial engineer
- Television broadcaster
- Climate change scientist
- Coastal scientist
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines:
- Priority Review Deadline: Fall: January 5, Spring: Not Available, Summer: Not Available
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall: February 1, Spring: November 1, Summer: Not Available
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall: Rolling, Spring: November 1, Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of goals
Application Review Process
- The Atmospheric Science department's Graduate Recruitment Committee will evaluate and rank each applicant on a holistic view (academic preparation; potential for scholarship; alignment with the program; diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; self-appraisal and areas of personal growth) based on all submitted documents.
Tips for Writing Your Goals Statement
- Your statement should explain why you're applying to the program and what makes you a strong applicant, both in terms of your scholarly and non-cognitive skills.
- Your statement also allows you to differentiate yourself by sharing a little bit about what makes you unique.
- Please include a brief description of your field(s) of interest, related background, desired area of study, and research emphasis/career goals.
Student Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate ability to use sound scientific reasoning to develop testable hypotheses and evaluate complex scientific problems in a specific research area related to atmospheric science.
- Carry out an extensive, independent research project that addresses a significant scientific problem in a specific atmospheric science research area.
- Document, detail, and defend the research conducted in a formal prospectus, written thesis, and oral dissertation defense.
- Independently develop effective written and oral communication skills that lead to the dissemination of research results to fellow atmospheric scientists at scientific meetings and the broader community.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Atmospheric Science program at the University at Albany (UAlbany) is designed to prepare students for careers in research, forecasting, agriculture, and education. The program emphasizes the study of atmospheric phenomena, including weather patterns, climate change, and air quality.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of atmospheric science.
- To train students in the latest research methods and technologies.
- To develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- To prepare students for careers in academia, government, or the private sector.
Description:
The PhD program is a research-intensive program that typically takes 5-6 years to complete. Students work closely with faculty advisors on research projects that may involve field studies, laboratory experiments, or computer modeling. The program requires students to complete coursework in atmospheric physics, dynamics, and chemistry, as well as to conduct original research and write a dissertation.
Outline:
Program Content:
The PhD program in Atmospheric Science covers a broad range of topics, including:
- Atmospheric physics: The study of the physical properties of the atmosphere, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity.
- Atmospheric dynamics: The study of the motion of the atmosphere, including winds, storms, and hurricanes.
- Atmospheric chemistry: The study of the chemical composition of the atmosphere and the chemical reactions that occur in the atmosphere.
- Climate change: The study of the long-term changes in Earth's climate system.
- Air quality: The study of the pollutants in the atmosphere and their effects on human health and the environment.
Program Structure:
The PhD program is divided into two parts: coursework and research.
Coursework:
Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of graduate credit in courses, seminars, and independent study in atmospheric, environmental, and other sciences or mathematics. These requirements must be satisfied by coursework with research leading to a dissertation.
Research:
The research portion of the program is the core of the PhD experience. Students work closely with faculty advisors on research projects that may involve field studies, laboratory experiments, or computer modeling. Students are expected to present their research findings at conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.
Course Schedule:
The course schedule for the PhD program in Atmospheric Science varies from year to year. However, students can expect to take courses in the following areas:
- Atmospheric physics
- Atmospheric dynamics
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Climate change
- Air quality
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Computer programming
Individual Modules:
The individual modules in the PhD program in Atmospheric Science are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the specific topics covered in the program. Each module includes lectures, discussions, and assignments. Some modules may also include field trips or laboratory experiments.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The assessment methods used in the PhD program in Atmospheric Science vary depending on the course or module. Some common assessment methods include:
- Exams (written and oral)
- Projects (individual and group)
- Presentations
- Papers
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria used in the PhD program in Atmospheric Science are designed to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply the concepts learned in the program. Some common assessment criteria include:
- Accuracy
- Completeness
- Clarity
- Originality
- Critical thinking
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The teaching methods used in the PhD program in Atmospheric Science vary depending on the course or module. Some common teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Seminars
- Field trips
- Laboratory experiments
- Computer simulations
Faculty:
The faculty in the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at UAlbany are world-renowned experts in their fields. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in atmospheric science.
Unique Approaches:
The PhD program in Atmospheric Science at UAlbany offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning. These include:
- A strong emphasis on research: Students are involved in research from the very beginning of the program.
- A close-knit community: The faculty and students in the program are very supportive of one another.
- A focus on interdisciplinary learning: The program encourages students to take courses in other disciplines, such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
The PhD in Atmospheric Science can lead to a variety of careers in research, forecasting, agriculture, and education. Some common career paths include:
- Research scientist
- Meteorologist
- Climate modeler
- Air quality specialist
- Professor
- Teacher
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the PhD program in Atmospheric Science are employed by a variety of organizations, including:
- Government agencies (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency)
- Universities
- Private research institutions
- Consulting firms
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the PhD program in Atmospheric Science have a high rate of employment. They are well-prepared for careers in research, forecasting, agriculture, and education.
Other:
Research Opportunities:
The PhD program in Atmospheric Science offers a variety of research opportunities for students. These opportunities include:
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Fellowships
International Students:
The PhD program in Atmospheric Science is open to international students. International students are eligible for the same financial aid and scholarships as domestic students. It is possible that some information may be missing or outdated.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
For all applicants:
- A bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or a closely related field (e.g., physics, mathematics, environmental science)
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of goals
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL score of 80 or higher (internet-based) or IELTS score of 6.5 or higher They can do so by achieving the following scores on one of the following English language tests:
- TOEFL (internet-based): 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 53
Additional notes:
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they have strong GRE scores or relevant research experience.
- Applicants who are deficient in required coursework may be required to take additional courses before being admitted to the program.
- The application deadline for the Fall semester is January 5th.
