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Atmospheric science
George Mason University

Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Sciences

In This Department

Join us in working to better understand our planet.

From simulating atmospheric temperature to explaining geological layers to tracing ocean circulation, the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences gives students new tools to explore our planet. You will benefit from the wide range of faculty expertise across undergraduate and graduate programs in AOES.

Support our department

Help us educate students and study the Earth with a gift to the department as a whole or to specific AOES programs.

 

Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Sciences News & Events

Latest News

More news
Campus shot - Horizon Hall

George Mason University Congratulates Four Faculty Inducted into the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Tracy Mason
Image of George Mason's Fairfax Campus

The Grand Challenge Initiative — Bold Solutions for A Prosperous Future

Image of Exploratory Hall on Mason's Fairfax Campus

College of Science Recognizes Promoted Faculty

Rene Paul M Acosta 2024 Department Photo

Acosta to Examine Moisture-Driven Polar Ice Growth and its Impact On Global Sea Level

Elizabeth Grisham

Upcoming Events

More Events
Oct21

Open Advising Session

Oct 21, 2025, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Exploratory Hall Atrium

Have questions about your schedule, degree requirements, or registration? Join Assad the Advisor and the Undergraduate Student Affairs team for an open advising session. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get personalized guidance and make sure you’re on track for the upcoming semester. No appointment needed—just
Oct23

23 Oct (GEOL) Val Findlayson, Tectonics, Mantle Processes

Oct 23, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Val Findlayson, University of Maryland, College Park Title: TBD Time: Thu, 23 Oct, 4:30pm Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu) Host: Linda Hinnov ABSTRACT: TBD
Oct28

Join the NVIDIA GTC Student Experience on Campus

Oct 28, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

The Hub, George Mason University, Fairfax Campus

Join us for the NVIDIA GTC Student Experience - October 28, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., in the Hub at George Mason University. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of what’s next in AI. This exclusive experience includes: Livestream of GTC D.C. Keynote: Watch NVIDIA CEO Jensen

Graduate Symposium

2025 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium, April 11th. Accepting Abstracts. 

 

Excerpt from ESOM flyer

Funding Graduate School

Financial support is available for graduate students

Climate Dynamics Students

A research powerhouse pushing boundaries of climate dynamics and prediction

Students learn the fundamentals of weather and atmospheric dynamics, participate in the research leadership of AOES in climate modeling, and benefit from the many facilities conducting atmosphere-related research and operations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Cloud Cover

Visit Us On Campus

Contact our program coordinators or main office to learn more about the department or schedule a visit.

Fairfax Campus, Exploratory Hall 3451 and Research Hall 109 
4400 University Drive, MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA 22030  
Phone: 703-993-5394

  • Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences
  • Campus Map
Exploratory Hall at George Mason University Fairfax Campus

Why AOES at Mason?

Over 80,000

Approximate number of times AOES faculty articles were cited in the scientific literature.

20

Average class lab size. 

6

Number of degree programs offered by the department to undergraduate and graduate students.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.