The following Master of Science (M.S.) requirements are formulated within the framework of the Graduate College requirements as described in A Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisors. The requirements of the degree of M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences correspond to the general requirements of the Graduate College for the degree, with the additional requirements outlined below. These requirements were adopted in November 2015. Students entering before that date may apply these requirements or requirements in force at the time of their entry. A total of 32 hours are required, a minimum of 16 of the 32 hours must come from 500 series core courses. The Department offers two options for an M.S. degree, a thesis option and a non-thesis option. In both options, students admitted to the M.S. program are required to take the following four core courses: Atmospheric Dynamics (ATMS 500), Physical Meteorology (ATMS 504), Weather Systems (ATMS 505), and Climate Dynamics (ATMS 507). Students must complete core course requirements within the first 4 semesters of entering the M.S. program. Under extenuating circumstances, students may petition to the department for a time extension in order to satisfy core course requirements. Non-core courses may be completed at any time prior to graduation.