The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) at the provides a world-class, interdisciplinary research and educational environment to examine the dynamical, physical, and chemical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. A major theme is the establishment of a physical basis for observing, modeling, and understanding climate and global change.
At the graduate level, ATOC offers a doctoral degree and a master’s degree (thesis and non-thesis options). Graduate students admitted to ATOC will be eligible to receive an advanced degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Graduate students outside of ATOC can pursue a Graduate Certificate either in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences or in Oceanography while earning a graduate degree from another department at CU-Boulder, or while taking coursework as a non-degree seeking student through provided they have already earned a bachelor's degree and meet the course prerequisites.
ATOC began offering an undergraduate major in fall 2016. This degree is the first of its kind at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Boulder for students interested in an in-depth understanding of the physical basis for the role of the atmosphere and oceans in Earth’s climate system.  In addition, ATOC offers a minor in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in another academic department.Â