Climate Science M.S.

See also the Climate Science M.S. description in the Graduate Bulletin.

Overview¶

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.

Climate Science Requirements for Admission¶

In addition to the general University at Albany requirements for admission to graduate study, an applicant’s undergraduate preparation should include:

1. two semesters of a college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors;

2. one semester of college-level physics;

3. two semesters of college-level chemistry; and

4. 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.

Climate Science Program Requirements¶

A minimum of 30 credits in graduate courses (500 level or above) is required for the Master’s (M.S.) degree, including:

1. 12 credits of core courses

2. Six credits of ATM 699 leading to an acceptable Master’s thesis

3. Supporting courses (0–12 credits): Additional courses, as advised

4. Satisfactory completion of the Major Field Examination (i.e., a 30-min presentation of research)

5. Ancillary Duties: In addition to the 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. These duties will be assigned with educational objectives in mind.

M.S. Thesis and Presentation¶

Students should proceed with their M.S. thesis research in close collaboration with their advisor(s) following the requirements and timeline contained in the UAlbany Graduate Bulletin. The M.S. second reader will be available to the student for consultation.

The M.S. thesis should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to successfully investigate a research problem, and their ability to arrive at results and conclusions that contribute to knowledge of the subject area. When the student and advisor(s) agree the M.S. thesis is in final form, a copy should be submitted to the second reader and a date for the M.S. thesis presentation scheduled (referred to as the “Major Field Examination” in the Graduate Bulletin). The M.S. thesis second reader must be given the completed thesis two weeks before the scheduled presentation or the Graduate School’s deadline for submission, whichever comes first. The student will present their thesis by giving a 30-min seminar to the department, followed by questions and comments from the audience.

Timeline¶

Semester 1¶

• Register for nine credits, typically including two classes from the required core (track-depenendent) and either a third class or three credits of research (ATM 698) as advised. Students pursuing the Atmospheric Science program or the Climate Dynamics track of the Climate Science program should normally take ATM 500 and 504.

Semester 2¶

• Register for nine credits, including core courses, electives or research credits (ATM 698 and/or 699), as advised.

• Begin research if not begun during semester #1. Submit application for approval of subject for Master’s thesis (Note: There is no deadline for this form, but it must be submitted before a student’s Master’s presentation. The title/subject listed on the form does not need to match the eventual thesis title.)

Summer 1¶

• Work on Master’s thesis research

Semester 3¶

• Register for nine credits of courses or research credits (ATM 698 and/or 699), as advised

• Continue Master’s research

Semester 4¶

• Register for sufficient number of credits to have at least 30 graduate credits (including at least six credits of ATM 699). Must register for nine credits if supported as a graduate, teaching, or research assistant (GA, TA, or RA)

• Complete research; write thesis; get thesis approved by thesis advisor(s) and second reader. The thesis should not exceed 150 pages in The Graduate School format.

• Apply for graduation. Students registered in the Ph.D. program and ending at the M.S. degree will need to apply for a Supplemental Degree for which there is a fee, see Obtaining an M.S. Degree. You must also withdraw from the Ph.D. program via an email to The Graduate School

• Present a 30-min seminar on your research to the department. (The seminar appears on your transcript as the Master’s Field Exam)

Summer 3 (if necessary)¶

• Complete semester #4 requirements, as needed

Semester 5 and beyond (if necessary)¶

• No need to register unless supported as a GA, TA, or RA, or in need of official student status

• Reapply for graduation; must apply for graduation in term that requirements are met even if applied in an earlier term