Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the University of Colorado at Boulder is located in a region having the greatest concentration of geophysical researchers in the nation and perhaps the world.  The proximity of ATOC to this atmospheric and oceanic science “ground zero” is the foundation of our unique philosophy and vision, which elevates our department to one of worldwide prominence.  The guiding principle of ATOC is to be the focal point for atmospheric and oceanic science education and research training in this geographic region of world-renown excellence.

ATOC is an interdisciplinary program that provides an educational and research environment to examine the dynamical, physical, and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and the ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for understanding, observing, and modeling climate and global change.

ATOC offers a master's degree, both thesis and non-thesis option, and a doctoral degree at the graduate student level.  Graduate students admitted to ATOC will eligible to receive an advanced degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Graduate students outside of ATOC can pursue the Graduate Certificate in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences while earning a graduate degree from another department at CU-Boulder, or while taking coursework as a non-degree seeking student through Continuing Education’s ACCESS Program provided they have already earned a bachelors degree and meet the course prerequisites.

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) does not offer an undergraduate bachelor's degree program. However, the department does offer an undergraduate minor for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in another academic department.