Program Overview

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (PHD)

Important Note

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted to eliminate this program on December 5. Currently enrolled students will receive email information about the degree completion pathway. Interested applicants are welcome to apply to another graduate program.

PhD

Description

The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences PhD program focuses on Earth's atmospheric and hydrological systems and their interaction with the sedimentary cycle. Researchers in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences examine a wide variety of issues relevant to Earth systems and Earth system history.

Research Areas

Recent graduates have performed research in:

• Physical and chemical hydrogeology
• Hydrogeologic modeling
• Surficial processes
• Geomorphology
• Sedimentology
• Vertebrate paleontology
• Micropaleontology
• Geochemistry
• Petrology
• Structure and tectonics
• Climate change
• Land/surface atmosphere interactions
• Physical climatology and meteorology
• Severe storms
• Snow and ice studies
• Surface energy balance modeling
• Synoptic meteorology

Departmental Research

Departmental researchers have obtained large grants supporting multidisciplinary research efforts in areas such as Antarctica and the Nebraska Sand Hills. They encourage collaborative work with the University of Nebraska State Museum, the Center for Advanced Land Management and Information Technologies, the School of Natural Resources, and other related University of Nebraska-Lincoln departments.

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates are employed as faculty by research universities and liberal arts colleges, and as weather forecasters, petroleum geologists, consulting geologists, and scientific staff by various governmental agencies.

Academic Pathways

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers the following academic pathways:

• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (MS)
• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (PhD)
• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (Dual MS/PhD)

Specializations

The program offers specializations in:

• Environmental Studies
• Geology
• Great Plains Studies
• Geoscience Education
• Hydrogeology
• Meteorology/Climatology

Department and Faculty

• Department: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Graduate Chair: Matthew Van Den Broeke
• Support Staff: Janelle Gerry
• Campus Address: 126 Bessey Hall

Program Details

• On Campus: 90 cr
• The primary emphasis is on Earth's atmospheric and hydrological systems and the interaction of these systems with the sedimentary cycle.