Atmospheric Science and Physics

Atmospheric science helps us to predict the weather and better understand complex climate patterns. This program will provide you with the necessary knowledge to develop short- and long-range weather and climate predictions, and better understand global warming and air quality issues. You will learn about severe weather, climate variability, the ozone hole, air-sea interactions, and other fascinating topics.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric science, you will study the atmosphere primarily through the lens of physics. You can come to understand processes like how water condenses in the air, how droplets can make rain, how sunlight warms the ground and the ground warms the air, and how the atmosphere and ocean interact to shape the weather and climate.

Jointly administered by the Department of Physics and the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, you will graduate with a deep understanding of both disciplines and how they fit together.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

A degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Physics can lead you to exciting careers in industry, government, and academic research. The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) employs many of our graduates, but provincial governments and environmental consulting and engineering firms also offer stimulating and diverse career opportunities. You may also wish to pursue graduate studies in the field.

• Air Quality Meteorologist
• Climate Data Processor
• Science-based Investment Advisor
• Operational Forecaster
• Atmospheric Physicist

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades