MS Atmospheric Sciences at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Our planet is reaching a crossroads of society and the environment. Join the next generation of atmospheric experts and help mankind navigate increasingly complex interactions. Today’s tumultuous, often life-threatening atmospheric changes requires a high level of expertise to help society navigate and cope in constructive ways. This program offers the experience to fill critical roles in research and helping society adapt.

What you will study

Students seeking the Master of Science degree through the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general degree requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. The Master of Science program requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. Required courses include ATSC 500 Introduction to Atmospheric Research; ATSC 594 Independent Studies; ATSC 505 Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics; ATSC 518 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology; ATSC 548 Advanced Mesoscale Dynamics; ATSC 450 Introduction to Cloud Physics Meteorology.

Career pathways

Equip yourself for a rewarding career in meteorology, environmental consulting, research, or government, where you’ll use cutting-edge technology to tackle global challenges like climate change and weather prediction. Roles include Meteorologist, Data Analyst, Air Quality Specialist, Satellite Data Scientist, Modeling and Simulation Engineer, Meteorological Observation Specialist, Weather forecasting, Data analytics.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. For U.S. degrees, accreditation must be by one of the six regional accrediting associations. Completion of a minimum of 20 semester credits of appropriate undergraduate work, e.g., physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and/or atmospheric science. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last two years. For international applicants only: Scores on the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as listed in the graduate catalog. Applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis and those with limited backgrounds in the aforementioned areas (physics, mathematics, chemistry, and atmospheric science) but with a distinguished record in other disciplines may be accepted on a qualified basis with the understanding that deficiencies would be remedied early in the program.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,575 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,241. Source

International applicants: USD 27,151 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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