graduate degree in atmospheric sciences: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Students in our Ph.D. program undertake research that pushes the boundaries of our sciences. Whether it be the latest in computer modeling or discovering new phenomena in the field, our Ph.D. students explore new horizons in atmospheric science. Learn about the steps and challenges of earning a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois.

The following Ph.D. requirements are formulated within the framework of the Graduate College
requirements as described in A Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisors. The Graduate
College distinguishes three stages in a student’s progress toward a Ph.D.:

Stage I

Stage II

Stage III

The Graduate College requires 96 hours of credit for the Ph. D. of which an M.S. may account for 32 hours. At least 64 hours, which may include research (thesis) credits, must be in courses meeting on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Most atmospheric science students with half-time assistantships take 12 to 14 credits per semester plus four or eight credits in the summer, so that the credit requirement may be satisfied in three years.