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University of Wisconsin–Madison
 

Professional Master's Program

Looking for the Research Graduate Program?

Welcome to the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Master of Science Professional Program!

We are excited to offer this 1-year, 30 credit M.S. program. Admissions are rolling for Fall 2024. Read on to learn more, check out our alumni profiles, and apply now!

The Professional M.S. degree prepares you for exciting careers in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Instead of completing research and compiling a thesis, students focus on professional development throughout the year along with completing core courses, technical electives, and a pathway specialization. Students also participate in a 10-12 week summer internship to gain experience within the field. This is paired with an online class focused on professional development, ethics, and career preparation.

We offer four specialization pathways or tracks:

Forecasting and Modeling Weather and climate computer models are increasingly complex, specialized, and are used in everyday decision making by a large number of industries and people. Skilled modelers who understand the theory, can run the models, and interpret the output are in high demand in industry and agencies like NOAA and NASA. Gain insight into how models work and experience in running state-of-the-art models in our field.

Air Quality Science and Regulation Air pollution affects public health globally, and understanding how emissions, atmospheric transport, and human impacts are linked requires a deep understanding of chemistry, dynamics, epidemiology, and policy. Our air quality pathway prepares students to tackle key pollution problems.

Climate Science, Risk Management, and Communication Climate change is a leading environmental problem of our generation. Skilled leaders who can evaluate climate variability from seasonal to century timescales, connect these to impacts and risks to society, and present these to diverse audiences in government and private sector are in high demand.

Satellite Meteorology UW-Madison is the birthplace of satellite meteorology and home of the UW Space Sciences and Engineering Center (SSEC) and the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, both located in the same building as our department. You have access to these expert scientists. This track prepares students in real-world analysis of weather satellite, radar, and allied remote sensing technologies.

Do you have what it takes? Look at our admissions page to learn how to apply!

More questions, see the FAQ or reach out to us.

PDF slides from a seminar on our program can be found here. A video of the seminar can be found here.