MS Program Path 

Masters Program Path

It is in the students’ best interest to finish their graduate studies expeditiously. For each part-time student, the pace and duration of graduate studies will depend on the individual circumstances of the student. As students progress through the program, they submit department forms to the Graduate Coordinator. The following timetable applies to full-time students.

Course Work

For detailed program requirements, see Mason Catalog Degree Requirements.

For list of individual Climate Classes, see Mason Catalog CLIM Courses.

Students are assigned an academic advisor to help with course decisions. Full-time students can generally complete the program in two years. Students select from one of two concentrations: Climate Data or Climate Modeling.

The Climate Data Concentration is aimed at students who will work in organizations that apply the results of climate science. Although government data are often freely available, expert analysis and interpretation of those data are required to understand and respond to technical information about changing climate.

The Climate Modeling Concentration will prepare climate, weather, and Earth-system modelers to work at major U.S. modeling centers and academia. These graduates will support scientists performing day-to-day operational and research support tasks in initializing, running, and diagnosing climate models.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options

Students may choose to complete a thesis consisting of a research project with their advisor. This option is encouraged for students who are considering applying to PhD programs after completing their MS.

If a student chooses the thesis option, then at the beginning of the semester prior to the student’s final semester, the student forms a master’s thesis committee to guide and evaluate thesis progress.

Detailed information about thesis requirements: MS Thesis Path.