Overview

The Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate programme at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides students with the opportunity to engage in complex, interdisciplinary research across the physical sciences. This curriculum is designed to be highly flexible, allowing scholars to navigate an organised body of study while adapting to evolving research interests in Earth systems.

The academic structure is built upon a foundation of core classes that ensure all students possess a shared understanding of fundamental principles. Following this initial phase, the programme offers a variety of elective pathways, enabling individuals to tailor their education to specific professional and scientific goals.

Why Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

Students benefit from the university's world-class facilities and its position at the forefront of environmental research. The programme is housed within the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, providing access to specialised laboratories and collaborative centres such as the Lorenz Centre and the Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy. These resources support high-level investigation into climate dynamics, chemical oceanography, and planetary health.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 32155 per semester
National fee: USD 32155 per semester
Local fee: USD 32155 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around a core of four essential classes, supplemented by a wide range of specialised electives. Students typically complete approximately ten classes in total before their general examination. Modules may include:

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Atmospheric Dynamics
Atmospheric Radiation and Convection
Atmospheric Chemistry
Climate Physics and Chemistry
Dynamics of the Ocean
Marine Chemistry
Sustainability Science and Engineering
Global Climate Change: Economics, Science & Policy

Careers with Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate

Graduates from this programme are prepared for influential roles in research, policy, and environmental consultancy. The curriculum's emphasis on modeling, data analysis, and numerical techniques equips students for careers in climate assessment, atmospheric monitoring, and sustainability engineering. Many alumni pursue advanced research positions or leadership roles within global environmental organisations and governmental policy units, focusing on the science and politics of global climate change.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean

Large-scale Ocean Dynamics

Waves, Instability and Turbulence at Small Scales

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Data Analysis in Physical Oceanography

Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Climate Studies & Meteorology Oceanography View 79 other Masters in Climate Studies & Meteorology in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Submission of the online application. Qualified applicants interested in more than one department must submit separate applications to each department of interest

A $75 application fee

Letters of recommendation

A statement of objectives

Official TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exam test scores

Transcripts

CV or resume

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Out-of-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

64310 USD / year

≈ 64310 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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