Note: This page provides a general overview. For complete and accurate information, please consult with your advisor. For current course offerings and information, refer to the Cornell University Registrar: Courses of Study.
Degree Requirements
All graduate degree programs in the graduate field of atmospheric science are individualized to suit students’ interests, backgrounds and goals. Students must, however, satisfy certain university and field requirements, either through prior work at another institution or through work at Cornell. Each student works closely with a major professor and a graduate Special Committee. This group of faculty members determines the degree requirements consistent with each student’s individual training and academic goals.
Students must earn at least six units of residence credit, and complete two minors, for the Ph.D. One residency unit is granted for each satisfactory semester of full-time study. Students must pass an “A exam” to attain Ph.D. candidacy, and a “B exam” to defend their Ph.D. thesis. As part of the “A exam” we encourage students to demonstrate their ability to complete research and write a paper, as well as defend a thesis proposal. Some students in the field will be required to pass an oral “Q exam”, usually after the first year of study, that tests their basic knowledge in the atmospheric sciences. Students must also submit a thesis acceptable to the student’s Special Committee and to the Graduate School. Often, but not always, Ph.D. theses in our field take advantage of the papers option for the thesis (please see the Cornell Graduate School web site for more detailed information).
Graduate Courses
Graduate students in the field of atmospheric science take courses in many departments across the university. Course selection is made in consultation with the major advisor and other committee members, and takes into consideration the interests, prior coursework, and thesis topic of the student. Coursework may also be required to satisfy the minor requirements. It is not atypical for graduate students to take a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses in various departments, especially during the first two semesters of study at Cornell.
Applying for Admission
Applicants for admission to the Graduate School should hold a baccalaureate degree granted by a faculty or university of recognized standing or have completed a degree or diploma program equivalent to the baccalaureate degree program at Cornell, have adequate preparation for graduate study in the chosen field, and present evidence of promise in advanced study and research. For non-native English speakers, the Cornell Graduate School requires minimum TOEFL scores of 22 (speaking), 20 (reading), 15 (listening), and 20 (writing), or a minimum IELTS Academic overall band score of 7.0. Additional admissions information and the application itself can be found on the Cornell Graduate School website.
Application deadline: Fall, Jan. 1; Spring, Sept. 15
The Cornell Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is no longer requiring the GRE for admissions to the graduate programs. Learn more.
Learning Outcomes
A candidate for a doctoral degree in Atmospheric Sciences is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in a sub-discipline within the broader domain of atmospheric sciences and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the sub-discipline in a timely fashion.
Proficiencies:
- Make an original and substantial contribution to one of the sub-disciplines within atmospheric sciences
- Think originally and independently to develop concepts and/or methodologies
Identify new research opportunities within their field
Demonstrate advanced research skills
- Synthesize existing knowledge, identifying and accessing appropriate resources and other sources of relevant information, and critically analyze and evaluate their own findings and those of others
- Master application of existing appropriate research methodologies, techniques, and technical skills
- Utilize both qualitative and quantitative approaches
- Communicate in a style appropriate to the discipline
Demonstrate commitment to advancing the values of scholarship
- Keep abreast of current advances within their sub-discipline of atmospheric science and related areas
- Show commitment to personal professional development through engagement in professional societies, publication, and other knowledge transfer modes
- Show commitment to creating an environment that supports learning—through teaching, collaborative inquiry, mentoring, organization of community learning experiences, or demonstration
Demonstrate professional skills
- Advance ethical standards in the practice of atmospheric sciences
- Listen, give, and receive feedback effectively