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By studying dynamic, synoptic, and physical meteorology courses, students build a solid grounding in tropical weather systems and climate studies—the department's specialty—equipping them for atmospheric science research. Applicants need comprehensive knowledge of physics (including calculus), chemistry, and mathematics up to differential equations. While undergraduate meteorology coursework is preferred, these classes can be completed during the initial year.
Our program attracts students from Hawaii, across the United States, and internationally. The primary requirement for admission is strong academic performance in an undergraduate curriculum covering fundamental mathematics (minimum through differential equations) and physics. Some graduate students enter with atmospheric science degrees, while others join with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or similar fields—sometimes without previous meteorology coursework.