Program Overview
The Atmospheric Physics Ph.D. program at UMBC requires 46 credits, including core courses, electives, and research. Students must pass a qualifying exam, submit a research proposal, and defend their dissertation. The program prepares graduates for careers in atmospheric physics research and related fields.
Program Outline
Outline:
- The program requires a minimum of 46 credits consisting of:
- 3 core courses (3 credits each): PHYS 621, PHYS 622, and PHYS 640
- 5 graduate elective courses (3 credits each)
- At least 2 of the 5 electives should be specialized ATPH courses
- Additional required courses:
- PHYS 690 - Professional Techniques in Physics
- PHYS 698 - Physics Seminar (3 semesters)
- PHYS 899 - Doctoral Research (minimum of 18 credit hours)
Assessment:
- Qualifying exam with written and oral components testing knowledge in first-year ATPH physics and research abilities.
- Written and oral PhD research proposal.
- PhD Dissertation defended before a Final PhD Committee.
Other:
- Students must secure a tenure-track member of the Department of Physics faculty to serve as their PhD research advisor.
- Students form a Preliminary PhD Committee consisting of the advisor and at least two other faculty members (two must be tenure-track).
- Admission to PhD Candidacy requires completion of all required coursework (except PHYS 899), the Qualifying Examination, and the PhD Proposal.
- All students must be voted into PhD Candidacy by the start of their 4th year in the program.
- The Chair of the Final PhD Committee must be a tenure-track member of the Department of Physics.
- You can also access the UMBC Graduate Faculty listing: https://gradschool.umbc.edu/faculty/ (UMBC Graduate Faculty►)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
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UMBC is a public research university located in Baltimore County, Maryland. It is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, innovation, and diversity. UMBC offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional master's programs.
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