General FAQ
Why should I join AOS?
If you care about the Earth, climate, oceans, animals, plants, or space, this is your place.
What research projects can I join?
Our research areas are: atmospheric chemistry and physics, atmospheric dynamics and climate, biogeochemistry, oceanography, and space physics. Check out this cool booklet of all the labs here.
Where do AOS majors end up?
Students have gone into government (NASA, NOAA), industry (Google, SWAPE), or end up becoming professors.
How cool are the students?
Cooler than the freezing point of hydrogen.
Grad School FAQ
Do I have to major in something like AOS to apply for the grad program?
No you don’t, in fact a good amount of us didn’t. There’s also a fair share of humanities-sciences double majors in the grad program.
What do I need for my application? And when is it due?
This can be found here.
What’s the program’s acceptance rate?
We actually don’t know, it varies every year. The PhD to masters ratio also varies drastically each year.
Can I take classes outside of the department?
You most definitely can, and they count towards your course requirements too. Students take classes in departments like Earth, Planetary, Space Sciences (EPSS), Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES), Physics and Astronomy, and Environmental Health Sciences.
What if I feel like I’m lacking in one of the sciences needed for AOS?
It’s ok if you’ve never had to balance a chemistry equation, derive things, or know how photosynthesis works. A lot of us came in feeling the same way, that’s what our core courses are for.
Outside of school, what do you guys do together?
Trivia, happy hour, tacos, and more.
Should I apply for an M.S. or Ph.D?
Only you can decide that for yourself. You can look at the degree requirements here.
Undergrad FAQ
What are my options for majors and minors?
AOS major, climate change major, dual AOS and math major, and AOS minor. More info here.
Can I do research as an undergrad?
Most definitely! Email a professor to get started.
How do I know the AOS program is right for me?
Only you can decide that for yourself.