Program Overview

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Master of Science in Atmospheric Science

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Atmospheric Science program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge of atmospheric science, including weather and climate systems, atmospheric physics, chemistry, and dynamics. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in research, forecasting, or education.

Program of Study

The program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including:

• 18 credits of atmospheric science courses
• 6 credits of master's thesis
• 0-12 credits of supporting courses in other fields, as advised

Atmospheric Science Courses

• Introduction to Atmospheric Physics I and II
• Atmospheric Dynamics
• Synoptic-Dynamic Meteorology
• Tropical Meteorology
• Large-scale Dynamics of the Tropics
• Basic Concepts of Atmospheric Transfer Processes
• Climate Dynamics and Modeling
• General Circulation of the Atmosphere
• Boundary Layer Meteorology
• Mesoscale Processes

Master's Thesis

The master's thesis is a 6-credit requirement that involves original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Supporting Courses

Supporting courses may be taken in other fields, as advised, to provide additional knowledge and skills relevant to the student's research interests.

Major Field Examination in Atmospheric Science

The major field examination is an oral presentation of the student's research.

Ancillary Duties

Students are expected to perform satisfactory teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to their academic development.

Professional Development

Students will work with their faculty advisor to develop a mentoring plan that includes professional development support.

Research Opportunities

Research projects are funded by federal, state, and corporate grants. Students have access to the New York State Mesonet, a collection of over 120 advanced weather observation stations across New York State, and the Albany National Weather Service office on campus.

Research Areas

Research areas include:

• 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

Teaching and Research Assistantships

Teaching assistant (TA) and research assistant (RA) opportunities are available under the supervision of departmental faculty. TAs and RAs are typically paid for 20 hours of work per week.

Career Outcomes

With an MS in Atmospheric Science degree, students will be fully equipped to pursue careers that involve research, forecasting, or education. Potential job titles include:

• Meteorologist
• Science teacher
• Insurance consultant
• Agriculture analyst
• Laboratory technician
• Scientific instrument engineer
• Earth data support scientist
• Catastrophe analyst
• Science writer

Admissions Requirements

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of goals
• GRE scores are not required

Application Review Process

The Atmospheric Science department's Graduate Recruitment Committee will evaluate and rank each applicant on a holistic view, including academic preparation, potential for scholarship, alignment with the program, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, and self-appraisal and areas of personal growth.

Tips for Writing Your Goals Statement

• Explain why you're applying to the program and what makes you a strong applicant
• Describe your field(s) of interest, related background, desired area of study, and research emphasis/career goals
• Address any unfavorable aspects of your past and how you've addressed them
• Self-appraise your strengths and weaknesses, along with areas for personal growth
• Include additional information that puts your application in a broader context

What Happens After I Apply?

• Individual faculty will communicate directly with prospective students who share similar research interests
• All students to be admitted should have identified and mutually agreed academic advisors
• UAlbany's Graduate School will make the admission offer for each student once the student-advisor agreement is reached
• If funding is offered, in a separate offer letter the academic advisor will be named, and the position and stipend as a research assistant or a teaching assistant will be specified
• Students will have until April 15 to accept or decline the offer

Student Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate a clear mastery of advanced concepts in atmospheric physics, chemistry, and dynamics
• Carry out a limited-scope, directed research project on an atmospheric science-related topic
• Document, detail, and defend the research conducted in a formal written thesis, including an oral presentation and defense
• Develop effective written and oral communication skills that lead to the dissemination of research results to fellow atmospheric scientists and the broader community under the direction of an advisor

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again. Supplemental programs available with this degree include:

• Africana Studies CGS
• Community College Leadership CGS
• Demography CGS
• Geospatial Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics CGS
• International Education Management CGS