Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric and Climate Science

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies understanding of the nature of knowledge normally attained only through the original solution of a problem of substantial scientific importance.

All students admitted into the Atmospheric and Climate Science graduate program will be admitted initially to the M.S. track of study. Students in the M.S. track who seek entry into the PhD program will be evaluated with the Qualifying Exam on the basis of their master’s research, defense of master’s research, and coursework. Upon qualifying for PhD study, a student will form a PhD Supervisory Committee with a minimum of five members. The student and the PhD Supervisory Committee will jointly plan the remainder of the student’s academic program.

PhD students can elect to pursue a Data Science Option, Advanced Data Science Option, or a dual-title PhD in Atmospheric and Climate Science and Astrobiology.

To complete the PhD a student must pass their Qualifying Exam, pass their General Exam and pass their Final Exam. Detailed information about these milestones can be found in the sidebar to the left.

To see examples of the theses and dissertations written by graduate students in the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, please see the UW library archives: https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/handle/1773/4893