The Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS) provides a program in graduate education leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with concentration either in Atmospheric Science, or in Planetary Science. Students from a variety of academic disciplines are welcome, and the curriculum maintains flexibility to match the interests of individual students. Academics, research, and service to the scientific community, the university, and the public are integral elements of the mission of the department. A high ratio of faculty to students ensures that students at all levels receive mentoring, training, and guidance.

The principal objective of the graduate program is to prepare students for successful careers and leadership roles in private and government research laboratories, and in academia. Essential support is provided by the department’s research center, the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS). Intellectual vitality fostered by active research is integral to Hampton University’s institutional vision, and CAS is a key resource for students and faculty. The center hosts research faculty, support personnel, and infrastructure required to maintain rigorous programs of sponsored research. Center personnel are principal investigators for scientific instrumentation on current and past space missions to study the atmosphere and the space environment of Earth.

Research and education partners include NASA, NOAA, the NSF, the EPA, and the DOD, and approximately 20 research universities, laboratories, and other scientific organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Hampton University is a member university of the National Institute of Aerospace; a consortium of universities offering graduate education in aerospace-related sciences and engineering. The NIA is headquartered in Hampton, and students can receive credit for graduate-level courses offered by the partner schools on-site at the NIA, or remotely via teleconferencing. Proximity to NASA’s Langley Research Center also provides for convenient access to the many research opportunities offered there. In addition, Hampton University is a member institution of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

M.S. Curriculum:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Atmospheric Radiative Transfer
• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
• Introduction to Structure and Dynamics (AST)/Principles of Planetary Science (PST)
• Atmospheric Chemistry (AST)/Space Weather (PST)
• Research
• Thesis
• Approved Electives

APS Admission Requirements

The program welcomes students from atmospheric science, planetary science, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental sciences, mathematics, physics, and other areas.

• 3.0 GPA or equivalent
• 2-3 Semesters of Calculus
• Differential Equations
• 2 Semesters Calculus-based physics
• TOEFL – for international students
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Linear Algebra recommended.
• Knowledge of some computer programming language.

See the Hampton University Course Catalog for more details on the programs and courses.