General Sequence
Combined B.S.-M.S. Program
Qualified undergraduates may apply for admission to the M.S. program and, if accepted, simultaneously work toward completion of the requirements for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. See Combined Baccalaureate- Master's Degree Programs for details.
Program Leading to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Atmospheric Science
The aim of the program leading to the Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science is to develop the student's ability to carry on scholarly research and to communicate the results concisely and accurately to the scientific community and the general public. Additionally, the program prepares the student for senior professional positions in atmospheric science at academic institutions and in industry, government, or other agencies.
The program of study and research requires at least three academic years of full-time study and research, or the equivalent over a longer period, beyond the baccalaureate.
The following specializations in doctoral study are offered: cloud and precipitation physics, theoretical and dynamical meteorology, micrometeorology, aerosol physics, synoptic and mesoscale meteorology, numerical weather prediction, tropical meteorology, air pollution meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and modeling, atmospheric transport and chemical processes and climate dynamics and modeling.
Requirements for Admission
In addition to the general University at Albany requirements for admission to doctoral study, an applicant's undergraduate preparation should include at least: (1) 12 credits in physics, (2) 12 credits in mathematics, including differential equations, and (3) 6 credits in chemistry. A student who is deficient in these subjects will be expected to make up the deficiencies during the first year of graduate study.
Program of Study and Research
The student follows a program of study and research approved by his/her doctoral advisory committee. Course requirements include a minimum of 45 hours of graduate credit in organized courses, seminars, and independent study in atmospheric and other sciences or mathematics. This program includes, in addition, research leading to an acceptable dissertation.
Departmental Examinations
In addition to the completion of course requirements, satisfactory performance in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to academic development is required, whether or not the student receives financial support from this institution. These duties will be assigned with educational objectives in mind.
Dissertation
The student must submit a dissertation in his/her area of specialization which represents a significant and original contribution in the field of atmospheric science.
Full Time Study in Residence
Each student in a doctoral program must engage in full-time study beyond the master's degree or equivalent at the University in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program. This requirement is designed to insure for each doctoral student a sustained period of intensive intellectual growth. For this purpose a student will enroll in full-time study (12 credits) taken in each of two sessions, or in a regular session and a summer session, not necessarily consecutive, which must be completed satisfactorily, except as indicated here:
A student is admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy upon the following:
Program Leading to the Master of Science Degree in Geology
Admissions to this program are currently suspended.
The general aim of the program is to prepare qualified students for further studies toward the doctoral degree or for careers as geologists in industry or governmental agencies. This program will offer training in three fundamental and interrelated areas of geological science: tectonics, structural geology, and geochemistry.
The program of study and research requires at least three semesters and one summer of full-time study and research, or the equivalent over a longer period beyond the baccalaureate. Two of the three semesters are needed for class work. The third semester is normally required following the summer research program and is generally devoted to a synthesis of data gathered during the summer program.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with specialization in one of the physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Although the program is designed primarily for students who have majored in geology at the undergraduate level, there may be instances in which science students with less than a major in geology may be admitted to the master's program provided that they make up their deficiencies in undergraduate geology courses during the first year of graduate study.
Applicants are requested to submit scores on the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examinations. This program is not open to students completing preparation qualifying for a secondary school teaching certificate.
Program of Study and Research (30 credits, minimum)
In addition to the completion of course requirements, satisfactory performance in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to the academic development is required, whether or not the student receives financial support from this institution. These duties will be assigned with educational objectives in mind.
Combined Baccalaureate-Master’s Degree Program
Qualified undergraduates may apply for admission to the combined B.S. Geology/M.S.
Geology program and, if accepted, simultaneously work toward completion of the
requirements for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. See Combined Baccalaureate-Master's
Degree Programs https://www.albany.edu/graduate_bulletin_archive/grad2007/requirements_general_admissions.html#combined_baccalaureate
for details.
Program Leading to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Geology
Admissions to this program are currently suspended.
The general aim of the program is to prepare qualified students for research careers in the geological sciences in universities, industry, and governmental research agencies. This program offers advanced training in three fundamental and interrelated areas of geological science: tectonics, structural geology, and geochemistry.
The program of study and research requires at least three academic years of full-time study and research, or the equivalent over a longer period beyond the baccalaureate, and may typically involve as many as four years.
Requirements for Admission
An applicant must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with specialization in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Although the program is designed primarily for students who have majored in geology at the undergraduate level, there may be instances in which a science student with less than a major in geology may be admitted to the doctoral program provided that the deficiencies are made up in undergraduate geology courses during the first year of graduate study.
Program of Study and Research (60 credits, minimum)
The course of study of each student is planned with the advisory committee which takes into account the student's previous preparation, area of specialization, and professional objectives. The student must complete a minimum of 60 credits of advanced courses, seminars, independent study, and research. In addition to taking other courses as advised by the Graduate Committee of the department, all students in the Ph.D. program must complete Geo 512 and Geo 517 and four courses from the following: Geo 518, Geo 612, Geo 640, Geo 535, Geo 545, Geo 673, Geo 675 and Geo 676. Students are required to take Geo 500 each semester of their registration.
Dissertation
The student must submit an acceptable dissertation which represents a significant and original research contribution in the area of specialization chosen
Departmental Examinations
A foreign language may or may not be required for the Ph.D. depending on the relevance of such a language to the student's thesis. The relevance of a foreign language is to be decided by the student's committee. If a decision for no foreign language is made, then an alternative research tool proposal must be made by the committee. The acceptance of this alternative is to be made by a majority vote by the departmental faculty. If a decision for a foreign language is made by the committee, then this must also be submitted to the departmental faculty for ratification. The advisory committee may, at its discretion, require a second foreign language.
Full Time Study in Residence
Each student in a doctoral program must engage in full-time study beyond the master's degree or equivalent at the University in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program. This requirement is designed to insure for each doctoral student a sustained period of intensive intellectual growth. For this purpose a student will enroll in full-time study (12 credits) taken in each of two sessions, or in a regular session and a summer session, not necessarily consecutive, which must be completed satisfactorily, except as indicated here:
A student is admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy upon the following:
In addition to the completion of course requirements, satisfactory performance in some ancillary teaching, research, or practicum duties contributing to the academic development is required, whether or not the student receives financial support from this institution. These duties will be assigned with educational objectives in mind.