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Equip yourself with the ability to conduct independent, cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of weather and climate.

Our doctoral students thrive because of our program’s research excellence, close collaboration between faculty and students, friendly environment, and our open-door policy for questions. You will become adept at applying existing novel theory and methods and developing your own. Gain broad knowledge of fundamental tenets of the atmospheric sciences and advanced skills within your chosen research specialization. 

Program Type

Doctoral

Program Format

On Campus

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In-Depth Research. Top-Notch Mentorship.

Atmospheric Science faculty and graduate students engage in a wide range of atmospheric research, with specializations that include climate variability, numerical modeling, atmospheric dynamics, mesoscale and synoptic meteorology, air-pollution meteorology, and data analytics.

As a PhD student, you will conduct research of interest to you under the guidance of an experienced faculty member who is interested in helping you succeed.

The PhD program typically requires 3-4 years to complete for students entering with an M.S. in Atmospheric Science or a related discipline. Students are typically supported by either Research or Teaching Assistantships.

We strongly encourage all prospective graduate students to reach out to the faculty member whose research is of greatest interest to you. Reaching out helps you get more information about our program, learn about potential research opportunities, and determine if one of us would be a good mentor for you.

Students seeking admission to the PhD in Atmospheric Science degree program must meet all UWM Graduate School requirements. An earned Master of Science degree is not a prerequisite for admission; however, it is expected that most applicants will have an earned Master of Science degree in atmospheric science or a closely related discipline.

Entering students without an earned Master of Science degree should have a general background in both physics and mathematics, including calculus and ordinary differential equations. Students who lack this background may be admitted if the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses, and deficiencies must be made up within three enrolled semesters of graduate study. GRE scores are optional.

Applications for fall admission must be completed by Jan. 31. Applications for spring admission must be completed by Nov. 15.

The credit requirement for the PhD is 54 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, with at least 27 of those credits earned in residence at UWM. For students entering the PhD program with an earned MS degree, no additional formal coursework is required. Students entering the PhD program without an earned MS degree are required to complete the coursework requirements for the Atmospheric Science MS degree as part of their studies.

PhD students must complete a dissertation proposal, qualifying examination and oral defense of their dissertation under the advisement of a faculty member. Entering students are encouraged to select a faculty mentor as early as possible.

Doctoral students are typically funded through faculty research projects. We strongly recommend you reach out to faculty members whose interests align with your own to discuss potential research and funding opportunities.

The School of Freshwater Sciences also offers competitive assistantships and fellowships. For more information about other financial aid options, please visit UWM Financial Aid.

Important Dates
Jan. 31: Deadline for fall admission applications

Nov. 15: Deadline for spring admission applications
Contact
Atmospheric Science Program Chair
atmo-chair@uwm.edu