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Degree Requirements

Overview

The full degree requirements approved in 2025 for the Atmospheric Science Graduate Group (ASGG) are available through the link below:

Atmospheric Sciences Graduate PhD and MS Degree Requirements (2025)

These requirements are summarized in the sections below, but students and faculty are encouraged to read the full text in the pdf file linked above. Students who entered the ASGG in the Fall of 2025 or later will follow the 2025 requirements. Students who enrolled in the group prior to the Fall of 2025 can meet either the 2025 requirements or the 2019 requirements which are described here and summarized below. Students who enrolled prior to 2019 should reach out to their graduate advisor for older degree requirements.

All documents referred to in the 2025 Degree Requirements as being on the ASGG website can be found under Forms and Documents.

Minimum GPA
Graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average in all upper division and graduate courses in order to remain in a graduate program or to be awarded a graduate degree.

M.S. Thesis Plan Requirements

ASGG M.S. Thesis Plan Course Plan Form (2025)

Here is a brief overview of the M.S. Thesis Plan requirements:

1. Course Requirements (30 total units)

Core Requirements (15-20 units). At least one class from each of the five core categories: Dynamics, Climate, Atmospheric Chemistry / Air Quality, Biometeorology / Boundary Layer, and Atmospheric Physics. The classes in each category, and the required initial classes, are listed in the full degree requirements. A “B” grade average or better is required for the core courses.
Elective Courses (10-15 units). Additional graduate and upper division elective units to complete the 30-unit total courses requirement. This will include at least 12 units of graduate-level courses in atmospheric science, at least 2 units of ATM 290, and at least one formal in-class oral presentation in ATM 290.

2. Advancement to Candidacy

Every student must file an official application for Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science after completing one-half of their course requirements and at least one quarter before completing all degree requirements. The MS Candidacy form can be found online at www.grad.ucdavis.edu/forms/.

3. Master’s Thesis

Research for the Master's thesis is to be carried out under the supervision of an ASGG faculty member and must represent an original contribution to knowledge in the field. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to pose a sound scientific hypothesis, test the hypothesis using scientific methods, and reach logical conclusions. The thesis must be written in accordance with the rules issued by Graduate Studies and be acceptable to the 3-member Thesis Committee. The thesis must be filed in a quarter in which the student is registered or on filing fee.

4. Exit Seminar

The student is required to present the results of the thesis work in an exit seminar, preferably as part of ATM 290.

M.S. Examination Plan Requirements

ASGG M.S. Exam Plan Course Plan Form (2025)

Here is a brief overview of the M.S. Examination Plan requirements:

1. Course Requirements (36 total units)

Core Requirements (15-20 units). At least one class from each of the five core categories: Dynamics, Climate, Atmospheric Chemistry / Air Quality, Biometeorology / Boundary Layer, and Atmospheric Physics. The classes in each category, and the required initial classes, are listed in the full degree requirements. A “B” grade average or better is required for the core courses.
Elective Courses (16–21 units). Additional graduate and upper division elective units to complete the 36-unit total courses requirement. This will include at least 12 units of graduate-level courses in atmospheric science, at least 2 units of ATM 290, and at least one formal in-class oral presentation in ATM 290.

2. Advancement to Candidacy

Every student must file an official application for Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science after completing one-half of their course requirements and at least one quarter before completing all degree requirements. The MS Candidacy form can be found online at www.grad.ucdavis.edu/forms/.

3. Comprehensive Examination

The student is required to successfully pass the written M.S. Comprehensive Examination. This should be taken once all, or nearly all, of the required coursework has been completed. To pass the exam, a student must demonstrate strong proficiency in all but one of the tested subjects and cannot show any major deficiencies in the remaining subject. The exam must be taken in a quarter during which the student is registered. More information is available in the ASGG Comprehensive Examination Guidelines.

Ph.D. Requirements

ASGG Ph.D. Course Plan Form (2025)

Here is a brief overview of the Ph.D. Thesis Plan requirements:

1. Course Requirements (36 total units)

Core Requirements (15-20 units). At least one class from each of the five core categories: Dynamics, Climate, Atmospheric Chemistry / Air Quality, Biometeorology / Boundary Layer, and Atmospheric Physics. The classes in each category, and the required initial classes, are listed in the full degree requirements. A “B” grade average or better is required for the core courses.
Elective Courses (16-21 units). Additional graduate and upper division elective units to complete the 36-unit total courses requirement. This will include at least 12 units of graduate-level courses in atmospheric science, at least 2 units of ATM 290, and at least one formal in-class oral presentation in ATM 290.
Classes taken prior to enrollment in the Ph.D. program can count towards the core and elective courses if they meet the requirements listed in the full degree requirements.

2. Qualifying Examination (QE)

Overview
- ASGG Qualifying Examination Guidelines (September 2021)
- The primary purpose of the QE is to validate that the student is academically qualified to conceptualize a research topic, undertake scholarly research and successfully produce the dissertation required for a doctoral degree. The Qualifying Examination should be taken by the 8^th quarter, and no later than the end of the 9^th quarter, after enrollment in the Ph.D. program. Before taking the exam, the student must fulfill all course requirements. The QE committee is composed of 5 members. The student’s major professor may be a member of the committee but may not be the Chair.
- Students should submit their QE Committee Form at least one month prior to the QE date through GradSphere.
- The Qualifying Examination has two parts: a written prospectus and an oral examination.
Dissertation Prospectus
- ASGG Prospectus Guidelines (June 2017)
- Example ASGG Prospectus 1
- Example ASGG Prospectus 2
- The Prospectus is a description of a student’s planned dissertation research. It cannot exceed 12 single-spaced pages - including figures, tables and appendices – using a font size no smaller than 11-point Times Roman (or equivalent). References are not included in the 12-page limit. In general, a prospectus should include: an introduction to the topic (including a survey of the relevant literature), a hypothesis or set of questions to be addressed, methods, preliminary results, expected advancements to atmospheric sciences from the research, and cited references. Concepts within the research proposal can be discussed with others, but the writing of the proposal should be solely by the student. The Prospectus must be submitted to the QE Committee at least ten working days prior to the date of the Oral Exam.
Oral Examination
- The oral portion of the qualifying exam will be 2-3 hours in length and will be administered by the QE Committee. The exam is intended to demonstrate the student's critical thinking ability, powers of imagination and synthesis, and broad knowledge of the field of study. The first part of the exam is a student presentation of the prospectus, which should be prepared as a 20–30 minute talk. The actual presentation will take significantly longer because of questions from the Committee. The second part of the exam will be oral questions by the Committee regarding the prospectus, general knowledge of Atmospheric Sciences, and the depth area of study.

3. Advancement to Candidacy

Successful completion of the qualifying exam, followed by filing the application for Advancement to Candidacy with Graduate Studies, promotes the student to a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

4. Ph.D. Dissertation

The Ph.D. dissertation must be an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in the student’s major field. It must demonstrate the ability to carry out a program of advanced research, relying extensively upon one’s own initiative and skills, and must report the results in accordance with standards observed in recognized scientific journals.

5. Dissertation Defense

The defense is composed of two parts:
a. An exit seminar open to students, faculty, and the public
b. A closed-door oral examination that is administered and evaluated by the Dissertation Committee.

2019 Degree Requirements

Overview

Students who entered the ASGG in the Fall of 2025 or later must follow the 2025 requirements and not the 2019 requirements described below. The 2019 requirements on this page are an option only for students who enrolled in the group prior to the Fall of 2025; these students can meet either the 2025 requirements or the 2019 requirements.

The complete 2019 requirements are available at:

Atmospheric Science Graduate PhD and MS Degree Requirements (2019).

The text below is a summary of the 2019 requirements. The complete degree requirements document in the pdf above has more details.

Minimum GPA

Graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average in all upper division and graduate courses to remain in a graduate program or to be awarded a graduate degree.

M.S. Thesis Plan Requirements

ASGG M.S. Thesis Plan Course Plan Form (2017)

Here is a brief overview of the M.S. Thesis Plan requirements:

1. Coursework

A. Breadth Requirement: "B" grade average or better in ATM 120, 121a, 128, and (one of) 121b, 124, 133, 158, or 160. A grade of "B" or higher in an equivalent course at another institution may be used to satisfy any or all of these course requirements.

B. Depth Requirement: 30 units of upper division and/or graduate courses including at least 12 units of graded graduate-level atmospheric science courses with a "B" grade average or better.

C. Seminar: 2 units of ATM 290 or equivalent. During at least one offering, the student must give a formal oral presentation.

Advancement to Candidacy:
Every student must file an official application for Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science after completing one-half of their course requirements and at least one quarter before completing all degree requirements. The MS Candidacy form can be found online at http://www.gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/forms/.

2. Satisfactory completion of a Master's Thesis

A Master’s thesis is an educational experience for the student, which is usually closely guided by the major professor. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to pose a sound scientific hypothesis, test the hypothesis using scientific methods, and reach logical conclusions. The thesis must be written in accordance with the rules issued by Graduate Studies and be acceptable to the 3-member Thesis Committee.

3. Exit Seminar

The student is required to present the results of the thesis work in an exit seminar.

M.S. Examination Plan Requirements

ASGG M.S. Exam Plan Course Plan Form (2017)

Here is a brief overview of the M.S. Examination Plan requirements:

1. Coursework

A. Breadth Requirement: B grade average or better in ATM 120, 121a, 128, and (one of) 121b, 124, 133, 158, or 160. A grade of B or higher in an equivalent course at another institution may be used to satisfy any or all of these course requirements.

B. Depth Requirement: 36 units of upper division and/or graduate courses including at least 18 units of graded graduate-level atmospheric science courses with a "B" grade average or better.

C. Seminar: 2 units of ATM 290 or equivalent. During at least one offering, the student must give a formal oral presentation.

2. Written Examination

This plan requires satisfactory completion of a written examination. All students are required to answer one question from each of the required three breadth subjects and two depth questions to be selected by the student from a group of more advanced (200 course level) subjects in atmospheric science. Any or all of the three breadth subject questions may be waived. See the complete guidelines for more information.

To pass the MS comprehensive exam, a student must demonstrate strong proficiency in all but one of the tested subjects and cannot show any major deficiencies in the remaining subject.

Ph.D. Requirements

ASGG Ph.D. Course Plan Form (2017)

Here is a brief overview of the Ph.D. Thesis Plan requirements:

1. Coursework

A. Breadth Requirement: M.S. degree in accepted atmospheric science program OR a "B" grade average or better in ATM 120, 121a, 128, and (one of) 121b, 124, 133, 158 or 160. A grade of "B" or higher in an equivalent course at another institution may be used to satisfy any or all of these course requirements.

B. Depth Requirement:

6 units of graded ATM graduate courses with a "B" grade average or better.
9 units of additional graded upper division or graduate courses.
Additional graduate and upper division units to complete the 36-unit coursework requirement, chosen with the advice and consent of the major professor and/or the Graduate Advisor.
Of the 36-unit Depth Courses requirement, at least 12 units must be graduate-level courses in ATM, instructed by an ASGG-affiliated faculty member, or approved by the Graduate Advisor. These courses may also be used to satisfy requirements 1-3 above.
Up to 2 additional seminar units beyond the 4 required units may contribute to the Depth Courses requirement.

C. Seminar: 4 units of ATM 290 or equivalent. During at least two offering2, the student must give a formal oral presentation.

2. Satisfactory completion of the Preliminary Examination (PE)

All students are required to answer one question from each of the required three breadth subjects and one to be selected from the specialty/advanced subjects. Any or all questions may be waived for a student. See the complete guidelines for more information.

To pass the PE, a student must demonstrate strong proficiency in all but one of the tested subjects and cannot show any major deficiencies in the remaining subject. A student must pass the PE before attempting the QE. The PE will normally be offered twice a year and scheduled near the beginning of fall quarter and the end of spring quarter. In general, students will take their PE in spring after their first year.

3. Satisfactory completion of the Qualifying Examination (QE)

ASGG Qualifying Exam Guidelines (September 2021)

The Qualifying Examination should be completed before the end of the student's third academic year, ideally sometime during the student’s second year. Before conducting the QE the student must fulfill all coursework requirements for the PhD. The committee is composed of 5 members, including at least 3 members from the Atmospheric Science Graduate Group, and at least 1 member from outside of the group. The student’s major professor may not be the Chair of this committee but may be a member of the committee.

Students should submit their QE Committe Form at least one month prior to the QE date through GradSphere.

A. Dissertation Prospectus

ASGG Prospectus Guidelines (June 2017)

Example ASGG Prospectus 1

Example ASGG Prospectus 2

The Prospectus is an independently prepared proposal not to exceed 12 single spaced pages including figures, tables and appendices. The font size must be no smaller than Times Roman 11 (or equivalent). The references are not included in the 12 page limit. The prospectus should include: an introduction to the topic (including a survey of the relevant literature), a hypothesis or set of questions to be addressed, methods to be used to address the hypothesis/questions, any preliminary results, and cited references. The Prospectus must be submitted to the QE Committee at least ten working days prior to the date of the Oral Exam.

B. Oral Qualifying Examination

The oral portion of the QE is administered by the student’s QE Committee, and is open to all ASGG faculty with the unanimous consent of the committee and student. The oral portion of the QE will include two parts. The first part is a student presentation of the prospectus, which should be prepared as approximately a 20 – 30 minute talk. The actual presentation will take longer because of questions from the committee. The second part of the exam will be oral questions by the Committee and interested faculty regarding the student’s prospectus, general knowledge of atmospheric science, depth area of study, and any follow up questions related to the Preliminary Exam. The total length of the Exam should be approximately three (3) hours.

4. Advancement to Candidacy

Successful completion of the preliminary exam and qualifying exam, followed by filing the application for Advancement to Candidacy with Graduate Studies, promotes the student to a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

5. Dissertation

Satisfactory completion of a Ph.D. Dissertation. The Ph.D. dissertation must be an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in the student's major field. It must demonstrate the ability to carry out a program of advanced research, relying extensively upon one's own initiative and skills, and must report the results in accordance with standards observed in recognized scientific journals.

6. Dissertation Defense

The defense is composed of two parts:

an exit seminar open to students, faculty and the public
an oral examination administered and evaluated by the five members of the Dissertation Committee. The oral examination will focus on the dissertation and the relationship of the candidate’s research to the overall discipline.

For further information see the following web site:

UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies