Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

The principal objective of the graduate program is to prepare students for successful careers and leadership roles in private and government research laboratories, and in academia. Mentoring by faculty ensures emphasis on the development of integrity, respect, decency, dignity, and responsibility, in a tradition explicitly incorporated in the mission plan of the university. Essential support is provided by the department’s research center, the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS). The center hosts research faculty, support personnel, and the infrastructure required to maintain vigorous programs of sponsored research. Intellectual vitality fostered by active research is integral to Hampton University’s institutional vision, and CAS is a key resource for experiential learning for students, and for the professional development of faculty.

What Do We Study?

Atmospheric Science is the study of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of gases, clouds, and aerosols that surround the planetary bodies of the solar system. Planetary Science is the study of the origin and evolution of the planetary bodies in the solar system and beyond. At HU, researchers study the dynamics of planetary interiors and the interaction of the solid planet and atmosphere.

Why Is It Cutting-Edge?

"In this age, remote sensing in general, and weather prediction, in particular, is impossible without satellite observations that allow us to get global coverage in a few hours or even minutes. The development and construction of space instruments are the most cutting-edge areas of modern technology. It combines and requires not only a fundamental background in math and physics but also in engineering, computer sciences, and many other fields. This is why successful education in atmospheric sciences provides students with knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of different scientific areas." - Stanislav Kireev, Ph.D.

Areas of Research

• Ozone Trends & Atmospheric Chemistry
• Polar Stratospheric & Mesospheric Clouds
• Lidar and Related Technologies
• Remote Sensing
• Satellite Data Assimilation in Forecast Models
• Global aerosol, cloud, and trace gas climatologies
• Solar Variability & Effects on Earth
• Space Weather
• Planetary Magnetospheres & Aurorae

Partners and Sponsors

APS is devoted to increasing the participation of minorities in the fields of Atmospheric, Space, and Planetary sciences. The department and the Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) maintain strong partnerships with:

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA GSFC)
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center (NOAA CREST)
• crest.ccny.cuny.edu
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – National Environment Satellite, Data and Information Services (NOAA NESDIS)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aeronomy Laboratory
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Army Research Lab
• Naval Research Lab
• Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
• British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
• GATS, Inc Atmospheric Science
• National Institute of Aerospace
• University of Colorado
• lasp.colorado.edu
• University of Iowa
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan
• oss.engin.umich.edu
• University of Virginia
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin
• George Mason University
• cos.gmu.edu/departments/aoes
• Georgia Tech
• North Carolina A&T
• cas.ncat.edu/~physics
• North Carolina State University
• Utah State University
• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC)

Rich in history and tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. Hampton University is a private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities in the world, Hampton University is a closely connected community of learners and educators, representing 35 territories and nations.

Hampton University is located on the east coast of the United States in the state of Virginia. The campus is located on a peninsula near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and is surrounded by water on three sides which gives it the nickname “Our home by the Sea”. The surrounding city of Hampton has many businesses, retail and residential areas, historical sites, and miles of waterfront and beaches. Attractions such as Fort Monroe, NASA Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Air and Space Center add to the splendor - and fun - of the HU campus. While Hampton University is primarily a liberal art and education university it also specializes in business, engineering, technology, nursing, pharmacy, and the sciences. Hampton University has the privilege of having the first and only NASA mission that is 100% led by an HBCU (Historically Black College & University). It is also the home of the largest and most advanced Proton Therapy Institute in the world.

Accreditation

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, professional, and doctoral levels.

The University is also approved by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). The University holds membership in the Council of Graduate Schools, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, and the American Council on Education.

In addition, Hampton University (its undergraduate and/or graduate colleges) is accredited or approved by other bodies.

Schools and Programs

• James T. George School of Business
• School of Science
• Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications
• School of Nursing
• School of Liberal Arts and Education
• School of Engineering and Technology
• School of Pharmacy
• Graduate College

Organizations

• HU Athletics
• Honors College
• Leadership Institute
• Military Science
• Government Relations
• Hampton University Research

Resources

• myCampus
• HU Online
• HU Museum
• Harvey Library
• Proton Therapy Institute
• Center for Teaching Excellence
• HU Residence Halls

Number of Programs Offered

Bachelor's Degree Programs ---- 50

Master's Degree Programs ---- 25

Professional Degree Programs ---- 2

Doctoral Degree Programs ---- 9

Post-Master's Degree Program ---- 1

Associate's Degree Programs ---- 7

Certificate Programs ---- 3

Total ---- 97