Prospective Students

Welcome

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a growing and expanding group of energetic young faculty who share a common interest in the physical, chemical, and dynamical processes of the polar atmosphere. While our main emphasis is polar atmospheric science, many of us have research projects centered on other regions around the globe. The group is housed in the  International Arctic Research Center building (IARC) which conducts research on all aspects of the atmosphere, ocean (sea ice), terrestrial, and biosphere of the arctic including connections to climate change. The atmospheric science group is also an integral part of the Geophysical Institute and works with the National Weather Service of Fairbanks. Our location in the sub-arctic positions us perfectly for Arctic research. Additionally, the local environment provides an excellent location for observation of unique scientific phenomena and outdoor exploration opportunities.

Degree Programs

Research Opportunities

Currently, there are opportunities for research assistantships with a number of faculty members in the program. Please contact any faculty member regarding the possibility of a research assistantship (for qualified applicants).


Admission to the Department of Atmospheric Sciences generally requires a degree in a scientific discipline, one year of calculus-based physics, math through differential equations, and one semester of chemistry. Since atmospheric science is a highly interdisciplinary field, incoming student's backgrounds vary considerably. Thus, acceptance into the program is made on a case-by-case basis.

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: March 1 for international students and
                                 June 1 for U.S. citizens

Spring Semester: September 1 for international students and
                                        October 15 for U.S. citizens

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DEADLINES:
Our ‘drop dead’ deadline is the default university deadline of June 1 for fall. However, as a Department we want to see applications by end of January and make decisions in March-April. We are a small department, and students joining the department usually have identified a potential adviser. They  will plan to support the student with a research assistantship. This differs from a school with an undergraduate teaching program where the first year graduate students are supported with TAs during their first year and find an adviser once they have settled in. Thus for the application we recommend you get your completed application in for fall by January 31 and we will review your application and if accepted you will know about funding by March-April.

 Upon the submission of your application the following documents will be needed

  • Resume
  • Statement of Goals
  • Official transcripts. We can review your file with unofficial copies, but for admission the official ones are required
  • 3 letters of recommendation from relevant sources
  • ESS Summary form  This is a departmental form and one of the first items looked at during the review process. 
  • Department GRE testing waiver. The Department of Atmospheric Sciences has waived the GRE score requirement.

For international student applicants these additional documents are required at the time of application

  • TOEFL scores
  • Official transcripts need to be sent to World Education Services for evaluation

For the most up-to-date information, forms and dates visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate School website