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MAILING ADDRESS
Department of Meteorology
Penn State University
503 Walker Building
University Park PA 16802-5013
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TELEPHONE & FAX
Telephone:  814.865.0478
FAX:  814.865.3663
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E-MAIL
General Department Information: meteodept@meteo.psu.edu

Undergraduate Program (BS): meteoundergrad@meteo.psu.edu

Graduate Program (MS and PhD): meteograd@meteo.psu.edu

Questions about the Web site: persing@ems.psu.edu
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Requirements for Admission to the Graduate Program


The academic graduate major in meteorology is open to all students with a baccalaureate degee and a strong interest in the atmospheric sciences. A degree in meteorology, science, math, or engineering provides a particularly good background, although we have had some students with liberal arts degrees (such as Arts History) who have done very well in our program.


The minimum course requirements for admission are mathematics at least through differential equations and at least one year of physics.


Admission Criteria


For admission to graduate study in meteorology, the departmental admission committee considers courses taken, grade point average, supporting letters, Graduate Record Exam (GRE), professional experience, and English proficiency. Rather than setting rigid standards in each category, the committee examines the overall record as a whole.
  • Courses. Additional mathematics and physics above the minimum requirements listed above, and courses in statistics, chemistry, and computer programming are a plus. Courses in meteorology are not required for admission.


  • Grades. Most students admitted into our graduate program have GPA's of 3.5 or higher. Particularly good grades in the sciences are desirable.


  • Supporting letters:
    • (1) Two recommendations are solicited from persons familiar with your academic competence. (We do not use a "form" for these letters.)


    • (2) A letter from you summarizing your interests and goals.
    • These letters play a very significant part in the admission process.

  • GRE. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. You should take the General Test package containing the Mathematical Reasoning Test. A verbal and quantitative combined score of 1200 or greater is typical for our students.


  • International students. All international students whose native language is not English, must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, any international student who attended a 4-year foreign College/University in which the language of instruction was English, is exempt from taking the TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 is required for admission.

Correspondence and Information

If you need additional information, please contact:


Graduate Admissions Officer
Department of Meteorology
503 Walker Building
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
Telephone: 814-865-0478
E-mail: meteograd@meteo.psu.edu


or



(preferably) fill out the Information Request form.