Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science - Cloud Microphysics, Severe Storms, and Mesoscale Meteorology

Research focuses on the dynamic, microphysical and electrical characteristics of atmospheric phenomena that are mesoscale in size and duration. Such phenomena include thunderstorms, supercells, squall lines, mesoscale convective systems, cirrus, stratus and cumulus clouds, hurricanes and their substructures, mountain/valley circulations, atmospheric jets, sea/land breezes, and orographic flow. Research is conducted on convection, mesoscale instabilities, gravity currents and waves, precipitation physics, cloud ice and liquid water processes, atmospheric electricity, aerosol indirect effects, vortices, tornadogenesis, storm interactions, orographic influences, boundary layer processes, frontal processes, effects of surface heterogeneities, coastal boundaries, and urban effects on weather.

The department offers a Ph.D. program for students who want to obtain the highest academic degree available in the field of atmospheric science. Students who earn a Ph.D. must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement, high scholarly ability, and a great breadth of knowledge.In addition to meeting the formal credit requirements for the Ph.D., described below, all graduate students enrolled in the department are expected to attend the weekly department colloquium series. These colloquia are an important part of the total instructional program. Colloquia are normally held on Friday at 11:15 a.m. during the school year.

Successful completion of an M.S. degree with thesis in atmospheric science or related field with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

IELTS - 6.5,TOEFL IBT - 80 (Internet based), TOEFL PBT - 550 (paper based), PTE minimum score - 58