Department of Atmospheric Science | Colorado State University
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Graduate Program

Download the full Graduate Student Guide here

Welcome to the graduate program in Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University! You can find information about the department and how to apply for admission here. The department recommends that interested students obtain an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, meteorology, or physical sciences as it does not offer an undergraduate degree program. Please note that the department no longer offers printed copies of the general application materials as the CSU Graduate School office requires all applicants to use their online application. For more information, contact the department by phone at 970-491-8360 or by email at info (at) atmos.colostate.edu.

In a normal academic year, the department admits 20 new students to the Atmospheric Science program. Applicants must have completed a course of study that includes the following: calculus for physical scientists and/or engineers, differential equations, vector analysis, and a calculus-based physics sequence which normally consists of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and an introduction to modern physics. Depending on their chosen area of specialization in atmospheric science, students may find coursework in one or more of the following areas helpful: fluid mechanics, statistical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, modern physics, physical and/or analytical chemistry, statistics, applied math, and numerical analysis. The CSU Graduate School requires all applicants to have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA from undergraduate coursework.

Application Process

To begin the formal admission process, applicants must complete separate applications to the Graduate School and the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU (please note that some of the information you submit will be duplicated.) Please follow the procedure below to ensure that your application is complete:

  1. Apply to the general CSU Graduate School using the official online application. There is an application fee of $50 with this process.
  2. Send two copies of transcripts from all collegiate instutions attended. Foreign applicants need to submit the original transcript along with a certified translation into English.
  3. Request that ETS send your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores to the University (our institution code is 4075.)
  4. Complete the online application for the Department of Atmospheric Science, during which you will be asked to:
    1. Arrange for the submission of at least three letters of recommendation using the format provided, and
    2. Submit a personal interest statement regarding background, goals, interests, and motivation to the department office.
  5. Non-U.S. applicants must also submit:
    1. Certified proof of financial support along with the GS3F form
    2. Scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

While applications to the graduate program in ATS at CSU are accepted at any time, prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply by January 15. Applications are reviewed by the department as they are received and earlier submission may enhance student opportunities for financial aid (GRA) support. The department does evaluate applications year-round. While most admitted students begin their coursework and studies in the fall, the department allows starting in the spring as an alternative. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the research expertise of the department and contact individual faculty to discuss GRA opportunities prior to submission of their application to our graduate program.

Department Office Mailing Address

Department of Atmospheric Science
Attn: Graduate Admissions
1371 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1371

Questions, Comments, or Concerns?

More information about the program, including specific details about the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, as well as course information and financial aid may be found in the 'Prospective Students' section in the navigation bar. Should you require additional information, or if you have any other questions, please contact Jamie Schmidt by phone at 970-491-8360 or by email at info (at) atmos.colostate.edu.

Last Updated: 14 October 2009. Contact the Webmaster