Graduate Curriculum

** Note: The application process for an M.S. or PhD in Atmospheric Science is separate from the application process for geography. Please refer to theASP Graduate Studies page when applying.

Please be aware that requirements are subject to change. Graduate students also should consult their advisor and the Atmospheric Science Graduate Manual to ensure the appropriate requirements are met.

Jump to:

• Master’s Degree (M.S.) →
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) →

• Graduate Admissions

Master’s Degree (M.S.)

Core Requirements

• A course in global climate. This course is currently under development and, until it is approved, it will be replaced by Geography 520 (Climatology) for those students without equivalent knowledge.
• Competence in computer programming using at least one multi-purpose programming language (e.g. FORTRAN, C) to a level necessary to write algorithms in this specialty area and to undertake Master's research work. No specific course is recommended for this requirement. Students may enter with this knowledge or acquire it as part of their program from courses chosen in consultation with their advisor.
• Geography 622.01 (Boundary Layer Climatology)
• At least one 800-level seminar in Atmospheric Sciences or Climatology.

Additional Requirements for Climatology

• Geography 623.01 (Synoptic Analysis and Forecasting).
• At least two courses from the following list:
  • Geography 620 (Synoptic Meteorology Laboratory)
  • Geography 622.02 (Microclimatological Measurements)
  • Geography 623.02 (Severe Storm Forecasting by Radar and Satellite)
  • Geography 820.01 or 820.03 (Seminars in Physical Geography, various topics offered)
  • Geography 821 (Dynamic Climatology)
  • Geography 822 (Microclimatology)
  • Geography 823 (Applied Climatology)
  • Atmospheric Sciences 631 (Atmospheric Thermodynamics)
  • Atmospheric Sciences 637 (Dynamic Meteorology I)
  • Atmospheric Sciences 638 (Dynamic Meteorology II)
  • Atmospheric Sciences 881 (Atmospheric Sciences Seminar)

Additional Requirements for Atmospheric Sciences

• Mathematics courses to the level of differential equations. This requirement may be met by undergraduate work or is satisfied by enrollment in courses in the Department of Mathematics.
• Atmospheric Sciences 631 (Atmospheric Thermodynamics)
• Atmospheric Sciences 637 (Dynamic Meteorology I)
• Atmospheric Sciences 638 (Dynamic Meteorology II)

Doctorate (Ph.D.)

Core Requirements

In accordance with the prevailing philosophy in the department that doctoral level programs should be flexible and individualized to specific student needs, there are minimal program requirements for a Ph.D. in the Atmospheric and Climatic Studies concentration. Students will take at least two 800-level seminar courses in Atmospheric Sciences and/or Climatology.

Additional Requirements

• Students who did not earn a Master's degree at Ohio State would be expected to complete requirements equivalent to those for the Atmospheric and Climatic Studies Master's program.
• Complete a program of course work in atmospheric sciences and related disciplines, chosen in consultation with the advisor.
• Complete the Ph.D. General Examination in Atmospheric Science.
• Complete a dissertation within the atmospheric sciences, with a satisfactory oral defense.

Additional Requirements for Climatology

• Students who did not earn a Master's degree at Ohio State would be expected to complete requirements equivalent to those for the Atmospheric and Climatic Studies Master's program in the Climatology.
• Complete a program of course work in Climatology and related disciplines, chosen in consultation with the advisor.
• Complete the Ph.D. General Examination. This exam will explore the student's knowledge of all the subfields of Climatology, particularly those covered in formal courses in the department. In addition, the student is expected to possess a general knowledge of both classical and current literature in the field of Climatology, a deeper familiarity with the literature of areas covered in course work and a profound knowledge of current work in the specific area of the proposed dissertation research.
• Presentation of a research proposal in a climatological topic in a seminar setting.
• Complete a dissertation on a climatological topic with a satisfactory oral defense.