Climate Dynamics, PhD

Program Overview

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The Climate Dynamics PhD program at George Mason University trains future scientists in climate dynamics, atmospheric dynamics, physical and dynamical oceanography, and computational methods. Through coursework, research, and collaboration with experts at the Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA), students are prepared for careers in top laboratories and universities, contributing to the understanding of climate variability, predictability, and long-term changes.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Climate Dynamics PhD program at George Mason University aims to train the next generation of scientists in climate dynamics and related fields. The program provides a comprehensive grounding in coursework, covering the interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface that determine climate. The program utilizes cutting-edge climate models, advanced computing facilities, sophisticated statistical techniques, and comprehensive data sets. Graduates are well-prepared for careers at top laboratories and universities.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• Total Credits: 72

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Coursework:

• Fundamental Climate Science Courses (15 Credits):
• CLIM 610: Introduction to the Physical Climate System (3 Credits)
• CLIM 614: Land-Climate Interactions (3 Credits)
• CLIM 711: Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics (3 Credits)
• CLIM 712: Physical and Dynamical Oceanography (3 Credits)
• CLIM 751: Predictability and Prediction of Weather and Climate (3 Credits)
• Core Computational Courses (9 Credits):
• CLIM 680: Climate Data (3 Credits) or CSI 690: Numerical Methods
• CLIM 715: Numerical Methods for Climate Modeling (3 Credits)
• CLIM 762: Statistical Methods in Climate Research (3 Credits)
• Climate Seminar (3 Credits):
• CLIM 991: Climate Dynamics Seminar (taken three times)
• Electives (21 Credits):
• Select 21 credits of graduate-level electives, including CLIM courses and other relevant courses as approved by the graduate coordinator.
• This includes up to 6 credits of CLIM 796 or CLIM 996.

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Qualifying Exams:

• Eligibility: Satisfactory progress in the program is demonstrated by adequate research progress and a B- or higher in all CLIM courses and on the final exams of the "Core Climate" courses (CLIM 610, CLIM 614, CLIM 711, CLIM 712).
• CLIM 997: Doctoral Qualification (3 Credits):
• Students take a qualifying exam by enrolling in CLIM 997.
• Students must demonstrate an ability to analyze scientific problems, identify an open scientific question in climate dynamics, and outline a methodology to answer the question.
• Taken in the second spring semester for students entering in the fall, or the 2nd or 3rd spring semester for students entering in the spring.

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Advancement to Candidacy:

• Dissertation Committee: After completing coursework and CLIM 997, the student forms a dissertation committee by the end of the following summer and enrolls in CLIM 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal.
• Dissertation Proposal: Students are expected to submit a paper to a peer-reviewed journal and to the dissertation committee before the start of the spring semester following the successful completion of CLIM 997.
If this deadline is not met, a progress report is submitted at the end of each semester until the paper is submitted.
• Dissertation Defense: By the end of the student's fourth year, the student is expected to present a Dissertation Proposal to their thesis committee.
Once the proposal is approved and all non-dissertation program requirements are completed, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy and enrolls in CLIM 999 Doctoral Dissertation.

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Dissertation Research and Defense:

• CLIM 999: Doctoral Dissertation (minimum 3 Credits):
• Students work on their dissertation while taking CLIM 999.
• They are expected to meet with their committee and present a progress report annually.
• The degree is awarded upon completion of the required coursework and approval of a dissertation that makes an original and significant contribution to the field.

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Assessment:

• Coursework: Satisfactory progress is demonstrated by a B- or higher in all CLIM courses and on the final exams of the "Core Climate" courses.
• Qualifying Exam (CLIM 997): Students must demonstrate an ability to analyze scientific problems, identify an open scientific question in climate dynamics, and outline a methodology to answer the question.
• Dissertation Proposal (CLIM 998): The dissertation proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee.
• Dissertation (CLIM 999): The dissertation must make an original and significant contribution to the field and be approved by the dissertation committee.

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Teaching:

• Faculty Expertise: Climate dynamics faculty members have a blend of expertise in dynamics, statistics, and computational methods.
• National and International Collaborations: Faculty members are heavily involved with national and international collaborations.
• Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA): Faculty members and students work closely with scientists at COLA, a national leader in climate modeling.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are well-prepared for careers at top laboratories and universities.
• Outcomes: The program aims to train the next generation of scientists in climate dynamics and related fields.

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Other:

• Faculty Research: Faculty research focuses on climate prediction and predictability, climate variability, coupled ocean-atmosphere-land dynamics, and dynamical systems and retrospective analysis.
• Recent Research Topics: Predictability of weather and climate; modeling of the complex climate system; El Niño dynamics; monsoons; atmosphere-ocean interaction; land-climate interaction; decadal climate variability; ocean circulation theory; and climate change.
• Green Leaf Program: This program has been designated a Green Leaf program.

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