South Dakota - School of Mines and Technology
Master of Science in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences
Rapid City, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master of Science in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences examines physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the atmosphere. It covers solar and terrestrial radiation, fluid motion and thermodynamics, cloud processes, biogeochemical cycles, and atmosphere–land interactions. Training includes conventional weather, satellite, and radar data plus aircraft, tower, and tethered-balloon measurements, data processing, visualization, and applied research with conference presentations.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into roles in meteorology, atmospheric science, remote sensing, environmental technology, and air-quality analysis; typical positions include operational forecasting, climate and environmental research, satellite/instrumentation work, environmental consulting, data analysis, academic roles, further PhD study, and policy roles.
The Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program studies the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect the composition and dynamics of the atmosphere. Research is directly linked to an undergraduate and graduate program that provides a fundamental understanding of the atmosphere, and opportunities for applied research, theoretical research, and technical training to prepare students for careers in meteorology, atmospheric science, remote sensing and environmental technology and science.
The primary objective of the master of science in atmospheric sciences program is to bring students to an understanding of the basic processes involved in weather and to understand the major components of the earth-biosphere-atmosphere system and their interactions. These include:
- solar and terrestrial radiation
- laws of fluid motion and thermodynamics as applied to the atmosphere; physical, chemical, and radiative processes in clouds
- global ecological and biogeochemical cycles
- atmosphere-land-surface interactions
A sub-objective is to educate students in the acquisition and interpretation of data, including:
- conventional weather data, satellite data, and radar data
- observations collected by specially-instrumented platforms such as aircraft, towers located above various terrestrial ecosystems, and tethered balloon systems
- training students on how to evaluate, analyze, and visualize such data using various types of data-processing and display equipment
Graduate students are expected to carry out original research in the atmospheric sciences and participate in disseminating their results at conferences and through the scientific publication process.
Several graduate student assistantships within the Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program may be made available each year to qualified students in atmospheric sciences and related topic areas. These assistantships are funded through grants and/or contracts held by departmental investigators.
Most graduate assistantships are based on half-time commitment (20 hours/week) during the school year, and full time commitment for three months (40 hours/week) during the summer. Activities to be carried out by a research assistant are assigned and monitored by the principal investigator. In order to qualify for the partial tuition payment, students must carry 9 credit hours during the school year and 6 credit hours during the summer. This requirement is reduced after a student has fulfilled all coursework requirements.
The atmospheric and environmental sciences master of science program is included in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)Western Regional Graduate Program(WRGP). Students who are residents from any of the cooperating states may enroll in the South Dakota Mines atmospheric and environmental sciences program at in-state rates.