UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON

Close Menu

Atmospheric & Oceanic Science: Professional Option MS

Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

A woman analyzing global and atmospheric visualizations.

Is this program right for you?

A Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the UW–Madison prepares you to meet the needs of weather professionals who are not only atmospheric scientists, but also have the skills to understand, analyze and communicate climate and weather in the meteorological, investment and risk assessment industries.

  • Our accelerated program can be completed within one year, preparing you for a successful career as an atmospheric professional in both government and commercial institutions
  • We offer specialized pathways in meteorological forecasting and modeling, climate science, air quality science and regulation, satellite meteorology, risk management and communication so you can tailor the coursework to meet your career goals
  • The summer internship course prepares you to acquire the American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorology (CCM) designation

Education that works for you

Get advanced training in atmospheric sciences for positions in weather and climate forecasting, risk analysis, air quality, satellite meteorology, technical data analysis and scientific communication.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Commitment

12 months

Tuition

$1000 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program only admits for fall term

Offered by

Department of Geography

STEM opt eligible

Yes

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Deadline: February 1, 2025

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: February 1, 2026

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: February 1, 2027
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have completed three semesters of college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors plus differential equations and two semesters of calculus-based, general college physics
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree
  • Submit GRE scores using code 1846. (optional)
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of interest
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

There are no upcoming events at this time.

What you’ll learn

The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science: Professional Option MS program gives you the comprehensive skill set to understand Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. Become a leader in your field with practical, hands-on experience that can be directly applied to your future career.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Meteorological measurements
  • Risk management
  • Numerical modeling
  • Climatological analysis
  • Programming

Explore similar programs

Become a data-driven conservation leader with the Environmental Conservation: Environmental Observation & Informatics MS program. You’ll utilize technical tools to analyze environmental change while gaining skills in policy development and leading environmental conservation efforts.

Summer 2025

Priority deadline: 12/01/24 International deadline: 02/01/25 Deadline: 05/01/25

Tuition

$1,000 per credit

Credits

32 graduate credits

Modality

Accelerated, Hybrid

View program

Become a GIS expert in the Cartography & Geographic Information Systems: Geographic Information Systems Development MS program. Master skills in geocomputing, spatial databases and spatial programming and design to implement advanced GIS applications.

Summer 2025

Priority deadline: 02/01/25 International deadline: 02/01/25 Deadline: 04/01/25

Tuition

$800 per credit

Credits

32 graduate credits

Modality

Online

View program

The Advanced Geographic Information Systems Capstone Certificate program gives you the skills to become a GIS expert. Learn to analyze, visualize and communicate geographic information through interactive maps and web applications.

Summer 2025

Priority deadline: 02/01/25 International deadline : 02/01/25 Deadline: 04/01/25

Tuition

$800 per credit

Credits

12 graduate-level credits

Modality

Online

View program
A man in his living room working on his laptop.

We’re here to help

Talk with an enrollment coach or program contact today to get your questions answered.

Connect with us
Four students outside Bascom Hall.

Join a flourishing and collaborative community

Learn more about being a Badger