Atmospheric Science

Apply to the Atmospheric Science Graduate Program

The graduate program in atmospheric science (ATSC) at the University of Wyoming offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Because our student/faculty ratio is relatively small, students have the opportunity to work closely with their professors. The research conducted in the department often involves field research (collecting and analyzing measurements from a variety of instruments) and numerical modeling. Our graduates experience excellent job placement in industry, education, and government. Laramie is a friendly, safe town of approximately 30,000 residents (including students). Many of our students and faculty enjoy outdoor activities in the mountains just a short drive away. 

The application deadline for a graduate assistantship starting in the fall semester (starting late August) is January 2 to receive full consideration, although applications received later in the month of January will be considered. In rare occasions students are admitted for the spring semester. If your situation is such that you want to be considered for a start in the spring semester (January), please contact the Graduate Coordinator as well as potential faculty advisors.

Admission decisions are made by the atmospheric science faculty. Applicants are selected based on their qualifications and the research opportunities available in the department. Grades, courses taken, research experience, test scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose are all considered. Special attention is given to transcripts to insure that applicants have sufficient math and physical science preparation. International students must be proficient in English. We accept applications from students with undergraduate or advanced degrees in physical and chemical sciences or engineering disciplines showing competence in college physics and calculus, through partial differential equations and multiple integral calculus. An undergraduate degree in atmospheric science or meteorology, although significant, is not required.

 

 

All applications to the atmospheric science graduate program should be submitted online through the UW Admissions Office’s website. International students should be aware of other factors, found on the International Graduate Students web page. It is not necessary to send official documents initially. Please scan and upload your transcripts and test scores through the online application website. If you are selected for admission, and you accept, you must then provide official documents to the university prior to final admission.

The following is a description of the documents needed to complete an application and requirements for the graduate program:

1. Transcripts. Please submit undergraduate (and graduate, if appropriate) transcripts. Transcripts not in English must be translated by the issuing university or by a commercial translation service. Please see the Admissions Office's website for more information.

2. Grade-point average. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission to either the MS or PhD program. Exemptions can be made to this requirement under certain circumstances; please contact the Graduate Coordinator.

3. Optional GRE scores.GRE scores are not required for admission. GRE scores can be submitted as part of your application packet and will be considered by faculty. All packets are considered as the sum of individual components. Because not all students are offered the same undergraduate opportunities and not all universities are equally well-known, we offer to examine GRE scores as part of packets to allow applicants to demonstrate their competence in a different way. If you do not have a GRE score this does not mean that you can’t apply or that your application will be less competitive. Students are encouraged to submit GRE scores to aid in the evaluation process. If you have any questions about GRE scores, contact the graduate coordinator (atsc-gradcoord@uwyo.edu). Students choosing to submit scores should note that the University of Wyoming code is 4855.

4. English language profiency scores. English language proficiency scores are required for international applicants. University requirements change regularly and can be found at the International Admissions Website. Please the official test score copies mailed to the University of Wyoming, code 4855. Note that an English language proficiency score is not required if you apply within a year of graduating from a U.S. institution or from any institution with instruction in English.

5. Three letters of recommendation. The individuals you identify during the application process will be sent an email to request the letter of reference for you. Three reference letters are required. When letters of reference are submitted, you will receive an email to indicate that one of your references has submitted their evaluation.

6. A narrative statement of research interests and career goals. Describe your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in atmospheric science and why the University of Wyoming is of interest. Specific research interests of the faculty can be found on the Department's Research Areas page. For questions about specific research opportunities, contact the faculty member directly to discuss your research interests and to learn about specific opportunities. 

7. Frequently asked questions. Please go to our FAQ page for additional information.

Copies of papers (published, or in review), reports, or theses, that you authored or co-authored can be uploaded or links provided (URLs are preferred for large documents). This will help us establish your aptitude for graduate work.

Thank you for taking the time and expense to apply to our graduate program. If you have any questions, please contact the ATSC Graduate Coordinator.

 

University of Wyoming Atmospheric Science Graduate Program The Department of Atmospheric Science provides a rigorous graduate program that allows students to compete for top-level careers in the field. Our students have direct access to two unique training facilities, an atmospheric research aircraft and one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. Our students have careers that cross many boundaries. Many of our students have pursued careers with the National Weather Service or with air quality agencies. With a graduate degree in Atmospheric Science at UW, you will receive the training you need to succeed in your chosen field, be it weather forecasting, climate research, or air quality monitoring.