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Ph.D. Program

The department offers a Ph.D. program for students who want to obtain the highest academic degree available in the field of atmospheric science. Students who earn a Ph.D. must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and a great breadth of knowledge.

In addition to meeting the formal credit requirements for the Ph.D., described below, all graduate students enrolled in the department are expected to attend the weekly department colloquium series. These colloquia are an important part of the total instructional program. Colloquia are normally held on Thursday at 3 p.m. during the school year.

Prerequisites

Course Requirements

Evaluation Mechanisms

Ph.D. Checklist

Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines on its website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

STEP DUE DATE
Graduate school application Six months before first registration
Appointment of adviser At time of admission
Selection of graduate committee At the start of your third semester or before your preliminary exam, whichever comes first
Filing of program of study (GS form 6 instructions) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration (about October for spring registration; about April for fall registration) or before your preliminary exam, whichever comes first
Announcement of preliminary exam To department office at least two weeks in advance of target date
Preliminary examination Within 18 months of admission to Ph.D. program or within 12 months of defending an M.S. thesis with our program
Report of preliminary examination (GS form 16 instructions) To Graduate School within two working days after results are known
Proposal assessment committee meeting 6-12 months after preliminary exam and approximately two semesters before planned defense. Email memo submitted to department head (cc Graduate Adviser Sarah Tisdale) detailing progress on student’s proposed research program.
Changes in committee (GS form 9A instructions) When change is made
Application for graduation (GS form 25 instructions) Refer to published deadlines on the Graduate School website
Reapplication for graduation (in RAMWeb) Failure to graduate requires reapplication for graduation (in RAMWeb) for the next term for which you are applying
Submit thesis/dissertation to committee Four weeks prior to final examination
Announcement of final exam Two weeks prior to final exam, notify department head assistant for faculty announcement
Report of final examination (GS form 24 instructions) To Graduate School within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines on the Graduate School website
Submit a signed thesis/dissertation submission form to the Graduate School prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
Submit Survey of Earned Doctorates Refer to published deadlines on the Graduate School website. Submit with signed thesis/dissertation submission form
Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines on the Graduate School website