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Statement of Mutual Expectations between the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and its Graduate Students

Graduate students in the AOSC doctoral program are expected to develop a mastery of their field, and gain familiarity with their discipline from arrival to graduation.  In particular, full-time doctoral students who arrive with a baccalaureate degree normally will:

  • Be assigned an adviser upon arrival.

  • Become engaged in research no later than during their 2nd year, and often in their 1st year.

  • Identify a thesis topic and take their specialty examination by the end of their 3rd year.

  • Submit at least one paper for publication prior to graduation.

  • Complete all requirements and graduate within 5 years.

    • Graduate students in the AOSC doctoral program normally may expect:

  • Courses providing a broad quantitative introduction to central themes in atmospheric and oceanic processes.

    • From their adviser students may expect:

  • Regular access and advice regarding the research and thesis writing processes.

  • Training in the preparation of oral and written scholarly presentations. 

  • Students may expect advice and support the writing of at least one paper for publication prior to graduation.

  • Introductions to the professional community of scientists, for example at conferences or through other social contacts.

  • Assistance and advice with job searches.