Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in physics, math, atmospheric science, engineering, chemistry, or related field with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
Calculus-based math course sequence including differential equations and vector analysis
Calculus-based physics course sequence including kinetics, electricity and magnetism, and some modern topics
Minimum TOEFL score for admission without condition is 550 (paper based), or 80 (internet based).
Minimum IELTS score for admission without condition is 6.5.
The department recognizes that there is strength in diverse experiences and backgrounds. Interested students with an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, meteorology or one of the physical sciences are encouraged to apply. No matter their background, admitted students should have an understanding of fundamental physics and applied mathematics. To that end, the department requires admitted students to have completed a calculus-based physics course sequence including kinetics, electricity and magnetism as well as a calculus-based math course sequence including differential equations and vector analysis. Please note that we do not offer an undergraduate degree program.

Applications must be submitted to the CSU Graduate School. Below is additional information on application requirements. In June 2020 our faculty voted to eliminate the requirement for Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. This decision was reached based on information from resources including the American Geophysical Union and American Geosciences Institute indicating that the GRE is not a good predictor of student success and also has proven to be biased against women and people of color. The department approaches admission decisions holistically, taking into account academic preparation – including grades, strength and rigor of the applicant's program, research experience, scholarly potential, alignment of research interests with our faculty and program, and the ability to clearly communicate long-term research goals. Letters of recommendation will continue to be a contributing factor.
Required documents include:
Statement of purpose (200-500 words). Please address a subset of the following questions in your personal statement:
Why do you want to attend graduate school at CSU, and in general?
What are your research interests for graduate school? Discuss a specific science question in atmospheric science or another field that intrigues you.
Why does it interest you? How might we go about solving it?
What other information would you like us to consider about your life experiences in support of your graduate school application?
Curriculum vitae
At least three letters of recommendation
Official transcripts (see below for additional information)
If international student, self-reported scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Required supplemental questions
For full consideration, you must answer all supplemental questions on the application.
Application fee
In order to submit your application for departmental review, you must pay this fee.
Applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver. The Graduate School offers fee waivers for applicants who can demonstrate membership in or affiliation with specific programs and/or partnerships. The department has a limited number of fee waivers for students with complete applications who are not eligible for the Graduate School's fee waivers.