UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences

Online Graduate Programs in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics

Online Graduate Programs in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics

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Master's
Degree

Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Online Master’s Program

Overview

The Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences offers an online, non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics to serve remote learners and working professionals who are unable to attend an on-campus graduate program. Students typically complete this program in approximately two to three years, while maintaining their professional and personal obligations.

Through the Online Master’s Degree in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Program, students already working in the atmospheric sciences and related fields, or those already engaged in preparing for a career in these fields, can earn a terminal degree specifically focused on the tools and knowledge needed to assess weather and climate risk, and conduct rigorous analysis of weather and climate data.
The program also has a geospatial data science component that is synergistic with the online programs in Geography and Geographical Information Science.

Career Opportunities

The skills gained through our program are different than, but complementary to skills used in traditional weather forecasting. The comprehensive “toolkit” students build in our program is particularly desirable for careers in the private sector, which is the fastest-growing employment sector in the atmospheric sciences field. This program also provides an opportunity for students who completed their B.S. degree a while ago to update their skills and potentially advance in their field.

Graduates of our program can go on to have rewarding careers in the following industries:

  • risk assessment
  • insurance/re-insurance
  • data analytics & data science applications
  • client-specific weather and climate modeling
  • big data management and curation
  • agriculture
  • energy
  • air quality
  • subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction
  • education
A master’s degree is often required to advance within the profession in such industries. This program is especially designed for students who work full-time, or who otherwise have busy schedules or need extra flexibility, so they can pursue a master’s degree while still maintaining personal and professional obligations.
"One of my favorite roles as the Online Programs Faculty Coordinator is connecting our students with Illinois faculty and project mentors in the public and private sectors on customized capstone research projects. These dynamic projects demonstrate our students’ abilities to become industry leaders, excel in project management, and work in dynamic team environments."
— Alicia Klees
Teaching Assistant Professor & Online Program Faculty Coordinator

Coursework

Each course contains core material and lessons that are delivered asynchronously, allowing you the flexibility to complete them on your own schedule each week. Many of our courses also include a weekly, live 60-80 minute online lab, giving you the opportunity to interact and collaborate with your instructor and peers. For maximum scheduling flexibility, we strive to offer an evening lab session option.
Students pursuing the master’s degree will complete 32 total credit hours of coursework through these courses courses (with the potential to substitute for other adviser-approved electives). If courses were taken previously for the Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics certificate sequence, they may be applied to the master’s degree requirements. The program requirements will conclude with students taking a total of 8 credit hours of the program capstone course (ATMS 596: Non-Thesis Research). Students should consult with a program adviser to discuss a program plan of study for the master’s program to meet their personal and/or professional goals.
Click here to learn more about the course offerings and details about the capstone research project.

Are you ready to be a leader?
Come join us and apply today!

Prerequisites

  • Bachelor of Science degree (in a physical science discipline) from an accredited college in the United States or an approved international institution of higher education.
  • GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher for the last 60 semester hours of their Bachelor of Science program.
  • Students who do not meet the 3.0/4.0 GPA criterion may still be eligible to enroll if they have significant experience outside of the classroom. Such students are encouraged to contact Dr. Alicia KIees, Online Program Faculty Coordinator at: aklees@illinois.edu to determine their possible eligibility.

Application Deadlines

Master of Science application deadlines are as follows:

  • Spring 2025 term — December 15, 2024
  • Summer 2025 term — May 15, 2025
  • Fall 2025 term — August 1, 2025
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Online Graduate Programs in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics

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Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences

School of Earth, Society & Environment

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Campus Partners:

Online Graduate Programs in Weather
and Climate Risk and Data Analytics

Online Graduate Programs in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics

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