Master of Science (M.S.) Atmospheric Science

Coursework

Current course requirements can also be viewed in the KU online catalogue.

Thesis

A master's thesis is a demonstration of a student's ability to formulate an atmospheric science research problem, collect and analyze relevant data, synthesize appropriate literature, arrive at logical conclusions, and present the entire exercise in a public academic forum. The thesis should address an original problem of scientific importance, though at the M.S. level, the research will to a significant degree be guided by the faculty advisor.

Thesis proposal

During the second semester in the program, the student must submit to his committee a thesis research plan. All M.S thesis proposals are expected to contain three basic elements:

1. A statement of the research problem or questions to be investigated.
 2. A survey of relevant literature and how it relates to the student's research problem
 3. An outline of the general methodology, if not specific techniques, to be utilized in addressing the research problem or answering the basic research questions.

Thesis seminar and defense

Students are required to make a formal presentation to the faculty and fellow students in the form of a research seminar, and subsequently defend orally to their committee the results of their thesis research. Ideally, the final examination takes place immediately following the research seminar, but if necessary the two can be scheduled at separate times.

As part of their research training, graduate students are expected to attend departmental colloquia and seminars.

Admission

Entering students are ideally expected to have completed an undergraduate degree in a physical science (e.g., physics, chemistry, atmospheric science, oceanography), mathematics, or engineering. Entering students will be expected to have studied mathematics, including vector calculus and ordinary differential equations. Applicants holding an undergraduate degree in another subject, yet having a sufficient mathematical background, will be considered for admission. Prospective students should also have taken the equivalent of at least 2 semesters of calculus-based physics and one of chemistry. If the student needs to take formal coursework to make up a deficiency, these credit hours will not count toward the M.S. A deficiency may be removed by 1) passing the specified course with at least a "C," 2) auditing the course and receiving a letter from the instructor indicating that the course requirements have been met, or 3) passing a written and/or oral examination comparable to the final exam. Deficiencies will be specified at matriculation and must be completed before the M.S. thesis defense is taken.

Program and Coursework

The program at the M.S. level continues the general training of the bachelor's degree but also provides for the development of concentration in preparation for thesis research, employment, or advanced study. Upon a student's admission to the department, the Graduate Studies Committee will appoint an advisor. Early in the first semester (preferably in the first week of classes), the student should meet with this advisor to outline a tentative program of coursework for the degree. Such programs should be solidified by the time of enrollment for the second semester and submitted to the GSC for approval. The student and advisor then continue to discuss and update programs each semester, bearing in mind that any substantive changes must be approved by the GSC. Program sheets are available in the department office and must be filed before the thesis defense can be scheduled. The student will have a thesis committee consisting of at least three faculty members. At least two of these faculty members must regularly teach in the atmospheric sciences program.

The Master's Thesis

Ideally, work on the M.S. thesis research should begin during the second full-time semester. During this second semester, the student should decide on the general area of thesis research. In addition to the primary advisor, two additional faculty members must selected for the committee. One of these two may be from outside the program. All committee members must be approved by the GSC (Graduate Studies Committee) and recommended to the graduate school. 

Submission of Thesis for Committee Examination

The complete thesis draft should be submitted directly to the advisor, and the advisor's approval must be received before the thesis draft is passed on to other committee members and the final oral examination is scheduled. Five weeks before the intended date of a student's final oral examination, the student (with approval of the committee chair), will submit this complete draft of the thesis to all committee members. The advisor and committee members have a responsibility to provide timely evaluations. Within two weeks of this submission, committee members must indicate whether or not the thesis is defendable.

Additional information regarding Geography & Atmospheric Science Graduate Student policy and processes can be reviewed in the Graduate Student Handbook.