Doctor of Philosophy

Atmospheric Science

Pursue a Career Researching the Challenges of Our Atmosphere

Develop expertise in understanding and predicting weather and climate systems through research opportunities in the doctoral program in atmospheric science at the University at Albany. You will be equipped for a career in the public and private sector in research, forecasting and education.

Your faculty mentors will push you to think about atmospheric theories, concepts and processes in new ways. You will learn to use research to answer questions that atmospheric scientists face today, such as what cloud chemistry can tell us about the atmosphere and how oceanic weather patterns impact nations.

Program of Study
Research
Career Outcomes
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Program of Study

Customize your course of study to learn about concepts such as atmospheric physics, atmospheric dynamics, environmental geochemistry, hydrometeorology, synoptic dynamic meteorology, aerosol physics and cloud chemistry.

Your program is organized around research experience. You will have the opportunity to actively contribute to significant research areas including tropical cyclones, climate variability, glacier cycles, air-sea carbon dioxide, lake-effect snow, and monsoons.

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 Sciences for course requirements.

Departmental Examinations

1. Written Qualifying Examination
The written exam covers your program area: synoptic-dynamic meteorology, physical meteorology and atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimatology and environmental systems.

2. Oral Qualifying Examination
The oral exam is based on your written prospectus that describes the basis and approach for your dissertation research.

3. 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 your area of specialization which represents a significant and original contribution in the field of atmospheric or environmental systems.

Full-Time Study in Residence

You 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 insure a sustained period of intensive intellectual growth. You 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.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Oliver Elison Timm at [email protected].

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 projects may include:

Tropical Cyclones and Hurricanes
Mountain and Topography Influences
Climate Modeling
Glacier-Climate Interactions
Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning
Solar and Wind Energy
Synoptic / Dynamic Meteorology and Atmospheric Chemistry

As a graduate researcher you will have access to UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC), with opportunities to study atmospheric physics, chemistry and renewable energy.

Beyond the ASRC, take advantage of the National Weather Service, which is in walking distance of campus. Here you can apply for internships and cooperative research.

Career Outcomes

With a PhD in Atmospheric Science you 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

"The faculty’s commitment to students led to numerous opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the country to present my research.

DAES has a strong connection with the local community. Whether it’s teaching about cloud formation at a local high school, hosting science days on campus, or talking about societal impacts of my research with congressional staffers, I’ve been given numerous chances to work on communicating my growing scientific expertise to the general public.

The education I’ve received, both in and out of the classroom, at UAlbany has prepared me to join the workforce ready to understand and take on the scientific challenges of my field and discuss my work in a cogent and impactful manner."

- Matt Vaughan, MS ’15, PhD ’20 (expected)

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. Upon graduation, international students with an F-1 visa are allowed to apply for a 2-year extension to the automatic 1-year post-graduate Occupational Practical Training (OPT) period.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

Priority Review Deadline

Fall: January 15
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: June 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

Transcripts from all schools attended
Three letters of recommendation
Statement of goals

Applications for the Fall term received by January 15th will receive priority consideration.

Available information for International Applicants.

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD

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 and includes:
- Extensive review of relevant literature
- Application of common, or development of new, scientific practices in observational data analysis, numerical modeling, and/or mathematical analysis of relevant phenomena
- Ability to analyze the results using appropriate quantitative methods and draw appropriate conclusions
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