Prospective Students
Atmospheric Science Graduate Program
- Our program attracts graduate students with a variety of backgrounds, including atmospheric science, meteorology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and others.
- We offer thesis-track M.S., exam-track M.S., and Ph.D. degrees.
- Our faculty study all aspects of atmospheric science, from atmospheric chemistry to extreme weather and climate.
- Explore our website to learn more about the world-class research and research facilities in atmospheric science at UC Davis.
- Visit the Office of Graduate Studies for information on admission and applications.
Combined 5-Year B.S.-M.S. Option in Atmospheric Science
Current UC Davis senior undergraduates may take up to two graduate-level courses in atmospheric science prior to graduation. So long as these courses are not used to fulfill the undergraduate degree, they may be credited to an M.S. degree. Enrollment in graduate-level courses is subject to the approval of the course instructor. Students must apply to the M.S. program in their senior year. Students accepted into the M.S. program who follow the exam track have the ability to fulfill all remaining degree requirements within one year. We recommend reviewing the M.S. program degree requirements if you are an undergraduate student considering this option.
Application Requirements
In your application, you will be asked to provide
- A statement of purpose
- A personal history and diversity statement
- Any academic transcripts
- Three letters of reference
- Evidence of English proficiency (if outside the USA)
The GRE is not required nor is it accepted.
Qualifications
The Group encourages applications from all interested students with backgrounds in the physical or natural sciences. Basic qualifications for students entering the Atmospheric Science graduate program include mathematics to the level of vector calculus and differential equations, and one year of college-level physics. Considerable flexibility may be allowed for students with high academic potential, but it is expected that deficiencies in preparatory material and in key undergraduate atmospheric science courses be completed within the first year of graduate study.
Note: It is not necessary to have a prior Master's degree when applying for the PhD program.
Transcripts and TOEFL Scores
1. Report TOEFL scores electronically directly to UC Davis.
Institutional code: 4834
UC Davis also accepts the IELTS and Duolingo English Test. See English Language Examinations for more information.
2. Transcript submission: UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.
Recommendation Letters
All letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically by the referee, through the on-line application. The on-line application will automatically notify the referee and provide instructions on how to submit his/her letter.
For M.S. Applications
In your statement of purpose, please indicate your intention to pursue a thesis degree (Plan I) or an exam-plan degree (Plan II). Plan I candidates may be funded through graduate research or teaching assistantships or self-funded. Typically, Plan II candidates are self-funded.
For Additional Information
Student Advising Office
1152 Plant & Environmental Sciences Building
Office: 530-752-1669 Fax: 530-752-1552 Email: lawrgradadvising
To create the full e-mail address, you should add "at ucdavis dot edu".
Do you want to visit us? Check our maps and directions!
Spotlight on a Former Graduate Student
Check out this Clear Skies Ahead podcast from the American Meteorological Society for a discussion with current student Will Turner about his background, his research, and his experiences here at UC Davis!
