Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences: Professional Option MS
Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Get advanced training in atmospheric sciences for positions in weather and climate forecasting, risk analysis, air quality, satellite meteorology, technical data analysis and scientific communication.
Is this program right for you?
A growing number of meteorological, investment, and risk assessment employers are seeking weather professionals with a master’s degree who are not only atmospheric scientists, but also have the skills to understand, analyze and communicate climate and weather in professional settings. A Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Madison prepares you to meet the needs of this rapidly changing industry and become a leader in the field.
The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences professional master’s program focuses on developing practical skills needed to succeed in meteorological consulting, risk management and operational forecasting. In contrast to our thesis-based master’s program, the thesis and direct mentoring by a research advisor are replaced with courses in programming, data analysis, professional development and the practical summer internship.
Through this professional program, you gain practical, hands-on experience that can be directly applied to your future career. The program provides in-demand training in fundamental atmospheric sciences as well as skill development in forecasting, modeling, data analysis, scientific communication and evaluation of research. In particular, the summer internship course prepares you to acquire the American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorology (CCM) designation. You’ll also develop problem-solving skills required for a successful career as an atmospheric professional in both government and commercial institutions.
Is this program right for you?
A growing number of meteorological, investment, and risk assessment employers are seeking weather professionals with a master’s degree who are not only atmospheric scientists, but also have the skills to understand, analyze and communicate climate and weather in professional settings. A Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin–Madison prepares you to meet the needs of this rapidly changing industry and become a leader in the field.
The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences professional master’s program focuses on developing practical skills needed to succeed in meteorological consulting, risk management and operational forecasting. In contrast to our thesis-based master’s program, the thesis and direct mentoring by a research advisor are replaced with courses in programming, data analysis, professional development and the practical summer internship.
Through this professional program, you gain practical, hands-on experience that can be directly applied to your future career. The program provides in-demand training in fundamental atmospheric sciences as well as skill development in forecasting, modeling, data analysis, scientific communication and evaluation of research. In particular, the summer internship course prepares you to acquire the American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorology (CCM) designation. You’ll also develop problem-solving skills required for a successful career as an atmospheric professional in both government and commercial institutions.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have completed three semesters of college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors plus differential equations and two semesters of calculus-based, general college physics.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree.
- Submit GRE scores using code 1846. (optional)
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of interest
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
Program highlights
- As a professional program, students will focus on building practical skills needed to succeed in meteorological consulting, risk management and operational forecasting.
- The program was designed directly with industry trends in mind, as a growing number of employers are demanding professionals with master’s degrees.
- The program includes specialized pathways in meteorological forecasting and modeling, climate science, air quality science and regulation, satellite meteorology, risk management and communication.
How you'll learn
- On-campus curriculum with some online elements, designed to be completed in 12 months with some part-time options available
- Courses begin in the fall semester only
- Complete 30-credit curriculum, with up to 7 transfer credits for UW–Madison graduates
- Complete an 8–10 week summer internship anywhere in the world while taking an online class focused on professional development, ethics, and technical report writing.
Sample curriculum
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Introduction to Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics
- Radiation in the Atmosphere and Ocean
- Meteorological Measurements
- Computational Methods in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
- Climatological Analysis
- Analysis of Atmospheric Systems
- Principles of Risk Management
- Sustainability, Environmental and Social Risk Management
- Bioclimatology
- Tropical Meteorology
- The Middle Atmosphere
- Cloud Physics
- Radar and Satellite Meteorology
- The Chemistry of Air Pollution
- Boundary Layer Meteorology
- The Frontal Cyclone
- Numerical Modeling in Meteorology
Job outlook
Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2020.
Burning Glass Technologies’ Market Salary is an estimated expected salary. Market Salary uses machine learning algorithms to account for experience, skill, and education among other factors that may impact individual salaries.
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Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
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