Integrated BS/MS Program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science (IUG)

The Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science offers an integrated B.S./M.S. (IUG) Program that is designed to allow academically superior students to obtain both the B.S. and the M.S. degree in Meteorology in five years of study (or less in unusual circumstances). In order to complete the program in five years, students interested in the IUG Program in Meteorology must apply to and meet admission requirements of the Graduate School and the IUG program no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree. Students interested in the IUG program should talk to the Associate Head of the Graduate Program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science as early as possible in their undergraduate studies.  

During their undergraduate studies, the student will follow the course scheduling of one of the options in the B.S. degree, normally the Atmospheric Sciences or the General option (see the Undergraduate Bulletin). Students who intend to enter the IUG program are encouraged to take upper level classes during their undergraduate career whenever appropriate.   

During the final year of undergraduate study, IUG students follow the scheduling of the selected B.S. Meteorology and Atmospheric Science option, with an emphasis on completing 500-level course work as appropriate. Also during this year, IUG students begin research that serves as the basis for the M.S. thesis.  Typically during the fifth year (but sometimes earlier in unusual circumstances), IUG students take courses fulfilling the departmental M.S. degree requirements and complete their M.S. theses. Typical scheduling plans for students pursuing the General or Atmospheric Sciences options are given below. If a plan similar to one of these plans is followed, then the student will have completed all requirements for the B.S. by the end of the fourth year (or earlier). 

Admission requirements

Students who wish to enter the IUG Program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science must apply to the Graduate School and the Meteorology and Atmospheric Science IUG program and meet the following requirements:

    1. Have completed entrance to their undergraduate major.
    2. Have completed no less than 60 credits.
    3. Be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.

Typically, successful students will be admitted formally into the graduate program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science in the spring semester of their third year, but earlier admission is also possible in some unusual circumstances. In all cases, admission to the program will be at the discretion of the Associate Head of the Graduate Program in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.  IUG students must meet all of the requirements for admission as regular incoming M.S. students.

Degree Requirements

The total degree requirements are as follows. The new program will fulfill the present rigorous requirements of the existing M.S. program. In particular, all IUG students must defend their theses or papers, as do all M.S. students, in a public presentation toward the end of their graduate program.

B.S. Degree Portion:

  • Total B.S. Requirements: 121 Credits (12 double-counted with the M.S. Requirements)
  1. General Education: 45 Credits, 24 of which are included in the requirements for the major.
  2. Requirements for the Major: 93-94 Credits, 24 of which are included in the General Education requirements
  3. Common Requirements for the Major (All Options): 75 Credits
  4. Prescribed Courses: 56 Credits
  5. Additional Courses: 19 CreditsRequirements for the General Option: 18-19 Credits

M.S. Portion:

  • Total M.S. Requirements: 30 Credits (12 double-counted with the B.S. Requirements)
  1. Prescribed Courses: METEO 520, 521, 533, 535 (12 credits)
  2. Additional Courses: 18 credits
  3. 6 credits are 500-level coursework
  4. 6 credits are 400- or 500-level coursework
  5. 6 credits of METEO 600 (thesis option) or
  6. 6 credits of 400- or 500-level coursework

 

More Information

The details of the program requirements can be found in the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin.