BS Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at University of Maryland, College Park

Programme overview

Fundamental concepts from mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer science are applied to understand the basic principles that control our weather and climate, from extreme events like tornadoes to the millennial changes of ice ages and the results of human modification of our environment. Coursework in the first two years emphasizes mastery of these fundamentals. Coursework in the last two years provides a comprehensive survey of atmospheric and oceanic science, while specialty courses and guided research allow the student to develop expertise in an area of concentration.

Faculty: College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | Department: Atmospheric and Oceanic Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: College Park, MD, United States

What you will study

Required courses include Weather and Climate, Weather and Climate Laboratory, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Seminar, Senior Research Project I. Major requirements total 69 credits.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme admission (College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences): The major in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science is not a limited enrollment program (LEP), so there are no formal requirements for entry into the major. Successful students generally have a solid background, earning good grades in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Program Objectives The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science B.S. program seeks to educate majors in the basic principles that control our weather and the interactions between atmosphere and ocean that regulate Earth’s climate.

Domestic applicants: USD 11,015 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for Maryland residents, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), room and board. Juniors and seniors majoring in Business Source

International applicants: USD 42,266 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for residents of the District of Columbia, other states and other countries, fall and spring semesters; one university-wide undergraduate rate that applies to all bachelor's programmes. Excludes mandatory fees ($1,820), roo Source

Fall enrollment begins in late August and Spring enrollment in late January. Freshmen who apply for Fall are automatically considered for Spring admission.

Fall entry, U.S. and international freshmen: Early Action deadline November 1 (decision by February 1; non-binding), Regular deadline January 20 (decision by April 1); enrollment confirmation by May 1. Applications after the regular deadline are considered on a rolling, space-available basis.

Fall entry, U.S. and international transfers: Early Action deadline March 1 (decision by late April), Regular deadline June 1 (decision by mid-July); enrollment confirmation within 30 days of admission.

Spring entry: international freshmen and transfers must apply by August 1; U.S. freshmen Early Action deadline December 1; U.S. transfers Early Action August 1 and Regular November 15.

The undergraduate application fee is $80 (non-refundable). Admitted students pay a $400 non-refundable enrollment confirmation deposit, credited to tuition. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional through the Spring and Fall 2027 application cycles.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.umd.edu/apply

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