Atmospheric Physics—MS and PhD

arrow_link Atmospheric Physics MS Requirements
arrow_link Atmospheric Physics PhD Requirements

Our graduate programs provide a rigorous foundation in applied physics paired with specialized expertise in atmospheric science. Students explore a diverse curriculum—ranging from global climate change to observational techniques to advanced satellite data analysis—while benefiting from our unique partnership with NASA.

Core Research Concentrations

The curriculum is structured to provide deep expertise in:

  • Atmospheric Radiative Transfer: Studying how energy moves through the atmosphere.
  • Remote Sensing & Inverse Problems: Developing mathematical methods to interpret Earth data.
  • Observational Techniques: Hands-on experience with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, and Satellite Radiometry.
  • Environmental Challenges: Addressing global climate change and atmospheric pollution.

Both Physics and Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research II (GESTAR II) faculty offer an extensive selection of thesis topics, providing students with a wide array of research opportunities and mentorship.

Regional Research Partnerships

Students gain a solid foundation in physics through core PhD coursework while gaining access to an elite network of research hubs. Beyond our primary partnership with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) through GESTAR II, our program maintains close working relationships with other premier institutions in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, including:

NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD)

NRL: Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC)

ARL: Army Research Laboratories (Adelphi & Aberdeen, MD)

These connections provide students with diverse resources, professional networking, and unique thesis opportunities throughout the region.

Admissions and Application Requirements

Admission to the Atmospheric Physics MS and PhD programs is competitive. Applications are reviewed by an Admissions Committee of Physics faculty, with the number of open admission slots varying each year based on faculty and financial resources.

To be considered for the program, applicants must submit:

  • Undergraduate Transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement of Purpose
  • Statement on Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

Important: GRE Policy
The UMBC Department of Physics is not collecting or reviewing GRE test scores at this time. If you report these scores, or any other information not requested in the application, they will not be taken into account during your evaluation.

Financial Support

All full-time PhD students receive 12-month support through Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or Research Fellowships.

Your support package includes:

  • Competitive Stipend: For living expenses.
  • Full Tuition Coverage: Your credits are fully funded.
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

ATPH Master of Science (MS)

The MS in Atmospheric Physics is a terminal degree designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. This program offers maximum flexibility, with a heavy emphasis on elective coursework.

General Requirements

  • Minimum Credits: 30 total credit hours.
  • Level Requirement: At least 18 credits must be at the 600-level or higher.
  • Core Curriculum: Students must pass PHYS 621 Atmospheric Physics I (3 credits) and PHYS 622 Atmospheric Physics II (3 credits) with a grade of “B–” or higher, and complete two semesters of PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (1 credit each).

Thesis Option

Students are encouraged to choose the thesis option, which requires:

  • 6 additional credits of approved coursework.
  • 6 credits of PHYS 799 Master’s Thesis Research.
  • A successful defense of the thesis proposal before an Examination Committee.
  • Note: Thesis students are not required to take a written Qualifying Exam.

Non-Thesis Option

  • 12 additional credits of approved lecture coursework (typically at least 6 credits from Physics).
  • A scholarly paper completed as part of an elective course.
  • A passing score on a written Qualifying Exam.

ATPH Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course Requirements

The PhD degree requires a minimum of 46 credits. All required courses must be passed with a grade of “B–” or higher.

  • Core Curriculum:
    • PHYS 621 Atmospheric Physics I
    • PHYS 622 Atmospheric Physics II
    • PHYS 623 Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation
    • PHYS 640 Computational Physics
  • Seminar & Professional Skills:
    • PHYS 690 Professional Techniques in Physics (1 credit)
    • PHYS 698 Physics Seminar (3 semesters, 1 credit each)
  • Specialized Electives (Choose 4, at least 2 in ATPH):
    • PHYS 721 Atmospheric Radiative Transfer
    • PHYS 722 Atmospheric Remote Sensing
    • PHYS 731 Atmospheric Dynamics
    • PHYS 741 Inverse Methods and Data Analysis
    • PHYS 732 Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Doctoral Research:
    • PHYS 899 Doctoral Research (Minimum of 2 semesters, 9 credits each)

Milestones to Candidacy

  1. Qualifying Examination: This exam includes both written and oral components to evaluate first-year course knowledge and research readiness. The written portion covers three sections: Atmospheric Dynamics, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, and Atmospheric Radiation.
    • Deadline: Students must pass the entire exam by the start of the 4th semester to remain eligible for the PhD program.
  2. Research Advisor and Plan: After passing the Qualifying Exam, students select a faculty advisor to supervise their dissertation research and begin developing a formal research plan.
  3. PhD Research Proposal: No later than 12 months after passing the Qualifying Exam, students must deliver a written and an oral presentation of their proposed project to a Preliminary PhD Committee of at least three faculty members (at least one must be a tenure-track Physics faculty member).
  4. Admission to Candidacy:
    After completing all required coursework (excluding PHYS 899), passing the Qualifying Examination, and successfully presenting the Research Proposal, a student becomes eligible for PhD Candidacy.

    • Faculty Review: Based on the recommendation of the Preliminary PhD Committee, the full Department of Physics faculty will vote on the student’s admission to candidacy.
    • Formal Recommendation: Following a positive departmental vote, a formal recommendation is submitted to the Graduate School to officially admit the student to PhD Candidacy.

Dissertation and Defense

  • Research Quality: The resulting dissertation must be of a quality suitable for publication in a refereed professional journal.
  • The Final Defense: Students must defend their dissertation before a Final PhD Committee formed per Graduate School regulations.
  • Committee Leadership: The chair must be a regular member of the graduate faculty. For advisors with affiliate status (such as GESTAR II members), a tenure-track Physics faculty member must serve as co-chair.