Studies in Climate Dynamics

The mission of the Ph.D. Degree Program in Climate Dynamics is to train
the next generation of scientists in climate dynamics and related fields.
Graduates of the program will have learned to carry out independent and
innovative scientific research. This may include emphasis on atmospheric
dynamics, land surface processes or oceanography, but a familiarity with the
interactions between the elements of the climate system is essential. The
graduate will have a demonstrated ability in theory, numerical modeling, or
advanced data analysis. The core curriculum is designed to cover the essential
knowledge base, which all students are expected to master.

What is Climate Dynamics?

COLA and CREW

The Department benefits from close ties with the
Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA) and the
Center for Research on Envionment and Water (CREW) of the
Institute of Global Environment and Society (IGES), an independent nonprofit
research institution. IGES is located in Calverton, MD, north of Washington, D.C.,
and about 25 miles from Mason's Fairfax Campus.  COLA is a national leader
in advancing the understanding and modeling of climate variability.  CREW uses
observational and numerical techniques to better understand the global water cycle and
to apply that understanding to important societal needs.