Earth & Planetary Science
The mission of the M.A. in Earth & Planetary Sciences program is to provide students with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to:
(1) pursue careers in meteorology, astronomy, oceanography or geology either in the private sector or in government, or;
(2) enhance knowledge in support of a career in secondary education -- in particular our courses support Connecticut cross-endorsement and New York state certification for physics and earth science, or;
(3) allow students to continue with additional studies leading to a Ph.D. in atmospheric science, astronomy, oceanography or geology.
The goals and objectives include:
- Imparting an in-depth understanding of the factual and theoretical bases of the various disciplines in earth and planetary sciences;
- Promoting scientifically-based critical thinking with regard to current issues in the earth and planetary sciences;
- Familiarizing students with the application of technology and of scientific methods through astronomical
observations, weather analysis and forecasting as well as data collection for meteorological, oceanic and
geological applications via remote sensing and in-situ platforms; - Promoting an understanding of the scientific process and have students apply it to designing and analyzing experiments in support of independent research, and;
- Promoting effective communication of scientific concepts in both oral and written formats.
Admissions Information
Program Information |
Courses
Spring 2012
PHY520: Scientific Methods (Dr. Dawson & Dr. Boyle)
- Textbook: MATLAB Recipes for Earth Science (3rd Edition); M. H. Trauth
EPS521: Meteorology & Weather Systems (Dr. Boyle)
- Textbook: Atmospheric Science, 2nd Edition (2006) J. M. Wallace and P. V. Hobbs
Contact Information
For more information contact:
J.P. Boyle, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Coordinator
Physics, Astronomy & Meteorology Dept.
Western Connecticut State University
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 837-8856
Email: boylej@wcsu.edu
