Useful Links and Information for Students

AOSC Graduate Program Information

Graduate School Deadlines (sorted by current term)

Program Overview

Master's (M.S.) Program Requirements

List of requirements:

Submit an MS application for graduation to graduate school. (see Deadlines for due date)
Enroll in/complete 30 Masters level credits (GPA minimum 3.0)
- up to 3 credits of AOSC 798 Masters research permitted but not required
- some (approved by advisor) 400 level courses are permitted
- 800 level directed research cannot be applied toward MS credit requirements
Submit a Scholarly paper (see Important Dates for submission due dates)
- The scholarly paper should demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize, interpret, and critically evaluate scientific information in atmospheric science. It may involve a literature review, data analysis, modeling, or applied research, but it is not expected to contribute novel findings like a thesis would. The paper is written independently of and in addition to course requirements and a prospectus (for PhD-seeking students) and evaluated by your advisor for style and content.
- The scholarly paper should follow the format of a research paper (e.g., starting from an AMS or AGU manuscript template), with a typical length of 10 – 15 pages (double-spaced with 1-inch margins and 12 pt font), excluding references and appendices. The completed paper will be disseminated publicly through the department's Scholarly Paper and Dissertation Archive. The archive provides examples of acceptable scholarly paper formats and topics, but always consult with your advisor and/or the Director of Graduate Studies (Jon Poterjoy) if you have questions about expectations.
Student seminar: Students are expected to present a seminar related to their scholarly paper.

M.S. (Non-Thesis) Resources

Scholarly Paper Template

M.S. Program Important Due Dates (*effective Fall 2025)

Scholarly Paper & Presenting for Review: Due to your advisor for review and feedback the last day of class of the term you plan to graduate.
Submission of the Scholarly Paper: Submit a PDF copy of your approved paper and signed off approval form to the Director of Graduate Studies (Jon Poterjoy) before the last day of final exams of the term you plan to graduate.

Ph.D. (Doctoral) Links

Comprehensive Exams:

Please note that no requests to sign up for the comprehensive exam will be accepted, once the deadline to register has passed. All students must first notify their advisor of their intent to take the comprehensive exam prior to registration.

Clarifications and FAQs (*clarifications added 01/09/25)

Rules (*clarifications added 01/09/25)

Candidacy Exam:

It is strongly recommended that you schedule the exam for a minimum of 2 hours allowing time for committee questions and deliberations.

Specialty Examination: Prospectus Defense (Advance to Candidacy)

Doctoral Candidate Links

Dissertation Information & Form Links (*updated May 2025)

Dissertation Defense Links

Internal Evaluation Form for Dissertation Committee Members -- AOSC DISSERTATION ASSESSMENT FORM