Admission Requirements

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

The general test is required. This includes verbal, quantitative and analytical parts.

Admitted students have quantitative scores of at least 650 and analytical scores of at least 3.5. Scores should not be older than five years.

Official scores must be sent electronically to UW-Madison's Graduate School. The institution code is 1846 for both tests. You do not need a department code. We have access to the Graduate School's electronic scores and you do not need to send us a paper copy.

To get further information about this test, contact Graduate Records Examination at 609-683-2002, email them, or visit their web site.

Prerequisites for Graduate Work

Math - 3 semesters college calculus sequence for science/engineering majors plus differential equations

Physics - 2 semesters calculus-based general college physics

Chemisty - 1 semester general chemistry

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. The Graduate School computes the GPA based on approximately the last 60 semester hours (two years) of undergraduate work.

Prior work in atmospheric or oceanic sciences is not required, but it is beneficial. Knowledge of computer programming is recommended.

Credits earned in satisfying prerequisites do not count toward the graduate degree requirements.

If you are currently taking or plan to take any of the prerequisite courses, and they do not appear on your transcript, please indicate these courses when submitting your application.

Special Cases

We occasionally consider admission with deficiencies for students lacking a prerequisite course.

PhD students must have an advisor before they can be recommended for admission. We will work to find an advisor for each student. Students are also welcome to contact faculty doing research they find interesting to determine if they are accepting new students.

Admission Process

Domestic applicants who are academically qualified are routinely admitted. This does not mean that an assistantship is available and this process is handled separately from the actual admission. You will be notified if funding for you becomes available.

Graduate School Requirements

The Graduate School's admission requirements must also be met by all applicants.