Atmospheric Science Certificate

Overview and Program Objective

The field of atmospheric science is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary in nature. Any process involving the earth's circulation, be it on the local or global scale or involving short or long-term conditions, results from a complex interaction of solar radiation, clouds and the earth's surface. Physical, chemical and biological processes are all responsible for determining the response of the earth's climate system to external forces and internal anthropogenic factors. Effective research in one aspect of the discipline requires a working knowledge of the other areas. ASU is becoming known as a leader in interdisciplinary aspects of research in atmospheric science and planetary atmospheres. The certificate program has been established in order to provide recognition for a student's specialization in atmospheric science while pursuing a degree in his or her respective department.

The Atmospheric Science Certificate centers around research activities of the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Program, the Office of Climatology and the NSF-funded Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Program (CAP-LTER). These programs support research in a variety of areas related to the earth's atmosphere and oceans, with a special emphasis on urban climate and air quality. Projects center on numerical modelling, remotely sensed observations, field programs and long-term monitoring of environmental and ecological variables. Cooperative programs with state and local agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, provide the opportunity for hands-on experience and practical applications of fundamental research.

Admission Criteria

Students enrolled in degree programs at ASU who desire to enter this certificate program, must do so by completing an application specific to the atmospheric science certificate. Students who are applying for an advanced degree to any department must do so through regular procedures of the departments and the Graduate College; and if they concurrently wish to enter the atmospheric science certificate program they also must complete the application.

Admission to the program will be determined by the Executive Committee. Students qualify for admission to the program through acceptance into a graduate degree program at ASU, and must be in good standing. The application will consist of a plan of study that includes degree requirements for both the degree in the home department and those for the atmospheric science certificate, and a statement of interest in obtaining the certificate. The plan of study will be prepared under supervision of a faculty member from the student's home department.

Questions or Comments

Contact Professor Anthony Brazel, Atmospheric Science Certificate director, at abrazel@asu.edu.