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

MS/PhD Earth System Science - Atmospheric and Climate Sciences Concentration

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).

Meet our faculty
Fairbanks and University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus life


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.

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, with documents as listed below, by January 15 to make decisions in February. 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.

Apply to a University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate Program

Domestic (US) Students

Apply to a University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate Program

International Students

 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. It is applied to your application automatically.

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

  • TOEFL scores. We can start the review before you take this, and occasionally, on a case by case basis, it can be waived. Be sure to check the requirements since there are certain exceptions to this.
  • Official transcripts need to be sent to World Education Services for evaluation. In most cases we can begin the review before these are received, but admission to UAF does require them.

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