Degrees Offered
The department offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees. Through courses in dynamic, synoptic, and physical meteorology, students develop a strong foundation in tropical meteorology and climate science, the department’s special field, and are prepared to do research in the atmospheric sciences. Candidates should have a thorough preparation in physics (with calculus), chemistry, and mathematics through differential equations. Undergraduate courses in physical, dynamic, and synoptic meteorology are expected, but they can be taken in the first year.
Our students come from Hawai‘i, from the US mainland, and from other countries. The main qualification to join our program is a good performance in an undergraduate program that includes basic training in mathematics (at least through differential equations) and physics. Some of our graduate students have come to us with undergraduate degrees in atmospheric science, but many others have come with undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or related subjects, and without any prior courses in meteorology.
Master of Science (M.S.)
The department provides two paths to a Master’s degree (M.S.) The first track, Plan A, requires a student-written thesis. The second track, Plan B, requires additional courses and a project instead of a thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
In addition to the outcomes listed for the MS, students completing the Ph.D. are expected to be able to conduct independent, original research on significant problems in the atmospheric sciences.
Applying to the Graduate Program
Application deadlines:
We accept applications on a rolling basis, but for priority consideration, please submit your application by the dates below:
Semester | U.S. Applicants | International Applicants |
---|---|---|
Fall | December 15 | December 15 |
Spring | August 15 | August 15 |
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are awarded as Research Assistantships (RAs) through your academic advisor, or through inter-departmental Teaching Assistantships (TAs). Both of these are 0.5 (50%) Full Time Employment rates, assuming a workload of 20-hours per week. Several inter-departmental TA positions are available, as well as fellowships through some of our cooperative institutes here at UH Mānoa.
Available Research Assistantships
Please visit the SOEST available assistantships and Graduate Division for available RA-ships. Please note that many professors may not advertise directly on these sites and it is best to contact the faculty you’re hoping to work directly about funding opportunities.
Available Teaching Assistantships
Currently our department does not have TA-ships, however, please reach out to metdept@hawaii.edu for information on future availability of TA-ships in other SOEST departments.
Funding Award Amounts
Per SOEST policy, all GA awards (Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships) are paid at minimum Step 15, 11-month appointments. More information about the step and appointment durations and can be found on the Graduate Division Compensation & Tax Withholding Page.