UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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:

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

Application Deadlines

Master of Science application deadlines are as follows:

  • Spring 2024 term — December 15, 2023
  • Summer 2024 term — May 15, 2024
  • Fall 2024 term — August 1, 2024