Doctoral Degree (PhD)

A total of 36 credit hours of regular coursework is required, of which 30 hours must be numbered 5000 or above, with at least 18 credit hours of ATOC graduate lecture courses including core ATOC course requirements, and a graduate-level course in applied or computational mathematics. In addition, 30 credit hours of dissertation must be completed per Graduate School rules and requirements. Students must pass a two-part comprehensive examination before admission into candidacy. Part I of the comprehensive examination is a written exam based on core course material and is normally taken in the second year. Part II of the comprehensive examination is normally taken in the third year and is an oral examination based on an original research paper prepared by the student.

Scheduling the Final Examination (defense) is the responsibility of the student.  The student should schedule a meeting with his or her entire committee approximately one year prior to when the student thinks he or she will be ready to defend to determine if completion of the dissertation along this timeline is feasible.  Scheduling of the actual defense date is normally done only after the research advisor and other committee members have read at least a draft copy of the written dissertation and have given approval to proceed with the Exam. Once the defense date has been set, the ATOC guideline for submitting a polished copy of the written dissertation to each committee member is one month prior to the date of the defense.

Master's Degree (MS)

For both thesis and non-thesis options, a total of 30 credit hours is required with at least 15 credit hours of ATOC courses numbered 5000 and above. Other specific course requirements are in the ATOC Graduate Handbook. For the thesis option, the final examination consists of an oral exam on the thesis. The non-thesis option requires the successful completion of a written final examination based on ATOC regular coursework requirements.

Information for Undergraduate Students

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) does not offer an undergraduate bachelor's degree program. However, the department does offer an undergraduate minor for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in another academic department.