The aims of the program leading to the M.S. in Climate Science are to (1) provide broad rigorous training in the fundamental theories and practices of the field, (2) ensure an advanced level of fluency in climate data analysis, and (3) develop the student’s ability to carry out guided scholarly research and to communicate the results concisely and accurately to the scientific community and the general public. Students may choose between two tracks: Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry & Physics. Both tracks prepare the student for a robust career in the public or private sector in areas such as climate data analysis and modeling, laboratory and field studies, environmental consulting, and education. The M.S. program also satisfies the track-specific course requirements for the Ph.D. in Climate Science, which is an appropriate pathway for students interested in advanced research and scientific leadership positions in academia, industry or government.
The M.S. in Climate Science requires two academic years of full-time study and research, or the equivalent over a longer period, beyond the baccalaureate. The program requires the completion of an original research-based Master’s thesis under advisement of one or more faculty members. Areas of research specialization within the two tracks include climate dynamics and modeling, polar environments, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimate reconstruction, environmental geochemistry, physical oceanography and ocean-atmosphere interactions, remote sensing, urban climate, renewable energy, and applications of machine learning.
Requirements for Admission
In addition to the general University at Albany requirements for admission to graduate study, an applicant's undergraduate preparation should include:
- two semesters of a college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors;
- one semester of college-level physics;
- two semesters of college-level chemistry; and
- basic skills in at least one computer coding language.
For the Climate Chemistry & Physics track, applicants must have one semester of college-level environmental science, geology, or geochemistry.
For the Climate Dynamics track, students must have one additional semester of a calculus sequence for science/engineering majors (3 semesters total) and the required physics course must be calculus-based.
These requirements would normally be met through a B.S. degree in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology, Oceanography, Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, or closely related field. A student who is deficient in these subjects will be expected to satisfy the deficiencies during the first year of graduate study, in consultation with their faculty advisor(s). A lack in one of more of these courses does not automatically disqualify a student from admission. Alternative courses, research, or work experience that demonstrate a strong background in math, physics, chemistry, and/or environmental science can provide equivalent preparation.
Program Requirements - 30 credits
A minimum of 30 credits in graduate courses (500 level or above) is required for the master’s degree. This includes 12 credits of required core courses in either of two tracks: Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry & Physics, as well as six credits of AATM 699 leading to an acceptable Master’s thesis, and satisfactory completion of a major field examination (i.e., 30-minute presentation of research) in Climate Science. The remaining 12 credits may be filled through additional courses or research credits as advised. In addition to completion of course requirements, satisfactory performance in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to academic development is required, whether or not the student receives financial support from this institution. These duties will be assigned with educational objectives in mind.
1. Core Courses - Students will complete 12 credits of core courses based on the track chosen.
- Climate Dynamics Track: 12 credit core consisting of the following courses -
- Atm 500 Atmospheric Dynamics (3)
- Atm 504 Introduction to Atmospheric Physics I (3)
- Atm 551 Fundamentals of Earth's Climate (3)
- Data Fluency Elective (3 credits)
- Climate Chemistry & Physics Track: 12 credit core consisting of the following courses -
- Atm 550 Paleoclimatology (3)
- Atm 551 Fundamentals of Earth's Climate (3)
- Climate Chemistry or Physics Elective (3 credits)
- Data Fluency Elective (3 credits)
Climate Chemistry or Physics Elective: Students in the Climate Chemistry & Physics track are required to take at least one course (3 credits) from the following list, covering fundamental topics in chemistry and/or physics relevant to Earth's climate.
- Atm 504 Introduction to Atmospheric Physics I (3)
- Atm 506 Environmental Geochemistry (3)
- Atm 507 Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
- Atm 615 Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3)
Data Fluency Elective: Students in both tracks are required to take a minimum of one course (3 credits) from the following list, gaining fluency in the theory and practice of climate data analysis, which include machine learning methods, high-performance computing, and cloud-computing.
- Atm 522 Climate Variability and Predictability (3)
- Atm 533 Advanced Geophysical Data Analysis and Visualization (3)
- Atm 561 Applied Data Analysis in Atmospheric and Environmental Science (3)
- Atm 623 Climate Modeling (3)
2. Six credits of Atm 699 Masters Thesis leading to an acceptable master's thesis.
3. Supporting courses (0-12 credits): Courses in other fields, as advised.
4. Satisfactory completion of a major field examination in atmospheric science.