Two researchers working in UAlbany's paleoclimate lab.

Doctor of Philosophy in
Climate Science

Develop Expertise to Tackle the World’s Climate Challenges

Earn your PhD in Climate Science at UAlbany and turn your drive to address the world’s critical climate issues into a career that makes an impact.

In this doctoral program you’ll delve deep into the growing, interdisciplinary field of climate science, gaining expertise in theory, practice and research through hands-on learning with world-class faculty and researchers. 

You’ll choose from one of two tracks – Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry and Physics – and specialize further in the research topic that interests you. Whichever path you choose, you’ll develop advanced data analysis, scholarly research and communication skills essential to addressing climate problems of enormous societal concern.

From here, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to take on senior-level roles in academia, government or the private sector.

Additional Program Information

GRE Required: No  |  Graduate Bulletin  |  Course Catalog  |  Department Contact: Oliver Timm

Program of Study

programofstudy

The PhD in Climate Science requires 60 credits, beginning with two years of study to gain fundamental climate science and data fluency skills through graduate coursework, seminars and independent study. This includes 12 credits of required courses in your chosen track – Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry and Physics (this requirement can be satisfied by earning the MS in Climate Science before entering the doctoral program).

You’ll further focus on your preferred area of research specialization, choosing from climate dynamics and modeling, polar environments, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimate reconstruction, environmental geochemistry, physical oceanography and ocean-atmosphere interactions, remote sensing, urban climate, renewable energy, or applications of machine learning.

 

Climate Dynamics Track

Required Courses

  • Atmospheric Dynamics
  • Introduction to Atmospheric Physics I
  • Fundamentals of Earth’s Climate
  • Data Fluency elective

 

Climate Chemistry & Physics Track

Required Courses

  • Paleoclimatology
  • Fundamentals of Earth’s Climate
  • Climate Chemistry or Physics elective
    Choose at least one:  
    • Introduction to Atmospheric Physics I  
    • Environmental Geochemistry  
    • Atmospheric Chemistry  
    • Global Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Data Fluency elective 

Electives

Data Fluency Elective

Choose at least one:

  • Climate Variability and Predictability
  • Advanced Geophysical Data Analysis and Visualization
  • Applied Data Analysis in Atmospheric and Environmental Science
  • Climate Modeling
     

Other Electives  

Sample courses:

  • Introduction to Atmospheric Physics II
  • Remote Sensing in Atmospheric Sciences
  • Large-scale Dynamics of the Tropics
  • Atmosphere-Ocean Interaction
  • Renewable Energy Issues
  • Climate Change
  • Marine and Estuary Systems
     

Departmental Examinations

1. Written Qualifying Examination 
The written exam covers your program area: climate dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimatology or 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

As a doctoral student, you’ll be required to perform some ancillary teaching, research or practicum duties that contribute to your own academic development. These will be assigned with your educational objectives in mind. You will also be expected to publish work in peer-reviewed journals and present research results at national and/or international conferences.

Career Outlook


Climate scientists play a vital role in the future of our world. They will continue to be in high demand to help find solutions to the climate-related issues we face and lead the way in bringing those solutions to life. With the rigorous research training you’ll gain in this program, you’ll be ready for senior professional positions at academic institutions or in industry, government or other agencies.

Potential job titles with a PhD in Climate Science include: 

  • Professor/Lecturer
  • Climate Scientist
  • Director of Sustainability
  • Research Scientist
  • Environmental Consultant 

 

 

 

Two researchers analyzing data while standing next to a large globe in the UAlbany ETEC Science on a Sphere room.
career

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
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
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals

Applications for the Fall term received by January 5 will receive priority consideration.

Application Requirements

In additional to the general University at Albany requirements for admission to doctoral 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
  • Basic skills in at least one computer coding language
  • For the Climate Chemistry & Physics track: one semester of college-level environmental science, geology or geochemistry
  • For the Climate Dynamics track: one additional semester of calculus sequence for science/engineering majors AND the required physics course must be calculus-based

Note: GRE scores are not required when applying for admission to the PhD Atmospheric Science program.

A student who is deficient in these subjects will be expected to make up the deficiencies during the first year of graduate study in consultation with their faculty advisor(s). A lack in one or 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.

Available information for International Applicants.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


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

PhD
PhD

Students who successfully complete the PhD in Climate Science degree are able to:

  • Demonstrate ability to use sound scientific reasoning to develop testable hypotheses and evaluate complex scientific problems in a specific research area related to either Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry and Physics.  
  • Demonstrate doctoral-level fluency in tools and practices of climate data analysis.
  • Carry out an extensive, independent research project that addresses a significant scientific problem in a specific research area related to either Climate Dynamics or Climate Chemistry and Physics and includes:
    • Extensive review of relevant literature.
    • Application of common, or development of new, scientific practices in field or laboratory investigations, 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 dissertation and oral dissertation defense.
  • Independently develop effective written and oral communication skills that lead to the dissemination of research results to fellow climate scientists at scientific meetings and the broader community. 
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