The Master of Science Degree in Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering

Contact our Student Services Office for more information about the program: [email protected]

Please Note: If you intend to continue your program and pursue a PhD, you should apply directly to the Climate & Space Doctoral Program. The Climate & Space MS program is designed for students interested in receiving a terminal MS degree. The MS program primarily serves students in the Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) program and students continuing in the PhD program.

Applicants to the Climate & Space master’s program may have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, but they are expected to have completed minimum requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Normally this would include five semesters of mathematics, eight credit hours of physics, including two laboratories, and five credit hours of chemistry. Thirty semester hours are required for the master’s degree, fifteen of which must be from the Department’s offerings. A minimum of four additional hours must be in mathematics, natural science, or engineering.

Funding

Unlike PhD students, there is no funding available for MS only students. Need-based funding may be available, usually in the form of a student loan, through the University’s Office of Financial Aid. There are application materials required to complete this process.

The general CoE Funding information can be found here. Particularly, it contains information about the Bridge to the Doctorate program, a CoE program that funds a MS for those on the way to a PhD.

General Program Requirements

Climate & Space academic programs are integrated studies designed to give students a broad base of study in atmospheric, space and planetary science. The MS program is similar to the first two years of the doctoral program, however the core courses are not required. Each MS student creates a course schedule with their advisor. More specific information on courses is available on the Climate & Space PhD Program web page and on the Climate & Space Courses web page.

The MS degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, of which 15 must be in Climate & Space courses. The Rackham School of Graduate Studies has a cognate requirement that each student take a minimum of four (4) credit hours of coursework in a different department. Climate & Space requires that these courses be non-seminar courses and not be courses cross-listed with Climate & Space.

Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLaSP) MS graduates will be empowered to provide substantive contributions to the well-being of society through their ability to:

●         creatively and collaboratively, develop solutions to interdisciplinary science and engineering problems in climate and space;

●         effectively communicate scientific and technical information;

●         act as leaders, educators, researchers, and communicators within academic, government, private and public sectors;

●         foster inclusive and multicultural environments, embracing the diversity of experiences and ideas held by others; and

●         demonstrate high ethical standards.

 The MS degree provides a solid foundation to continue studies toward a PhD degree.