At a Glance

M.S.

  • Type of Degree: Research
  • Duration: At least two semesters of registration; typically two years
  • Special Committee: Minimum of two-member committee consisting of chair and one minor member; additional member(s) are encouraged.
  • Required Examinations: Final Examination for the Master’s Degree
  • Deadlines: 
    • Chair Nomination—3rd week of 1st semester
    • Special Committee Selection—end of 2nd semester
    • Master’s Examination and Thesis Submission—as soon as degree 

requirements have been met; no later than 8 semesters

​​​​​​​Ph.D.

  • Type of Degree: Research
  • Duration: At least six semesters of registration; typically five years
  • Areas of Concentration: 

Atmospheric Sciences: Three areas, one from within the graduate field

Two from outside the graduate field

Geological Sciences: Three areas, one from within the Graduate Field of Geological Sciences, one from outside the Graduate Field of Geological Sciences, and  either from within or outside the Graduate Field of Geological Sciences.

  • Special Committee: A minimum of a four-member committee consisting of chair, an additional member of candidate’s choosing, and two minor members. A minimum of four members ensures adequate expertise of the thesis topic. All minor members need not be selected until after passing the Q exam.
  • Required Examinations: Geological Sciences: Qualifying Examination (Q Exam); 

Both Atmospheric and Geological Sciences: Admission to Candidacy (A Exam); Final Examination for Doctor of Philosophy Degree (B Exam)

Deadlines: 

  • Chair Formal Nomination—3rd week of 1st semester
  • Temporary Committee (assigned by DGS): 1st week of 1st semester
  • Regular committee meetings: once per semester
  • Atmospheric Sciences: Meet with Special or Temporal Committee to recommend classes to DGS/GFA before start of 3rd semester and no later than end of 3rd semester
  • Geological Sciences: Qualifying Examination—strongly encouraged before start of 3rd semester and no later than end of 3rd semester
  • Special Committee Selection—end of 3rd semester (4th member before A Exam)
  • Admission to Candidacy Examination—before beginning 7th semester
  • Final Examination for Doctor of Philosophy Degree and Thesis Submission—as soon as degree requirements have been met; no later than 14 semesters