The information and program qualifications related to the Atmospheric Sciences Doctor of Philosophy Program, under the Department of Meteorological Engineering of the Graduate School, are summarized below.
Information About The Program
Candidates with a master's degree in Meteorological Engineering, Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering, and other related engineering and natural sciences fields are eligible to apply to the Atmospheric Sciences Doctoral Program at Istanbul Technical University's Department of Meteorological Engineering.
Click here for the program's website.
Program Profile
The Atmospheric Sciences Doctoral Program aims for graduates to possess the following competencies:
1. Scientific Research and Original Contribution: Graduates will conduct original research in atmospheric dynamics, climate change, air quality, and meteorological modeling, with ability to identify and solve scientific problems.
2. Advanced Research Methods and Technologies: Graduates will effectively utilize numerical modeling, data assimilation, satellite and radar meteorology, GIS, remote sensing, and big data analytics.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates will collaborate with experts from physics, mathematics, engineering, environmental and computer sciences, leading interdisciplinary projects.
4. Academic Communication: Graduates will publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and write scientific reports in Turkish and English.
5. Solutions for Global Issues: Graduates will develop solutions for climate change, air pollution, water resources, extreme weather, and disaster risk management, providing policy consultancy.
6. Ethical Values: Graduates will adhere to research ethics, avoid plagiarism, and use scientific knowledge for societal benefit.
7. Continuous Learning: Graduates will follow developments in atmospheric sciences and embrace lifelong learning.
8. Career Competency: Graduates will pursue careers in academia, TÜBİTAK, Turkish State Meteorological Service, and private sector in climate services, renewable energy, and aviation.
9. Project Management: Graduates will design and manage research projects, lead teams, and effectively utilize funding resources.
10. International Networking: Graduates will actively participate in scientific communities, establish networks, and enhance Turkey's international visibility.
Doctoral graduates will become leading researchers in atmospheric sciences in Turkey and internationally.
Registration Requirements
Application Term : Previous Application / 2025-2026 Fall Semester
Application Requirements (For T.C Nationality) ALES Numerical must be minimum 65 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 652, new system GRE minimum 152 ). Applicants who will apply for PhD programs after their undergraduate level degree are required to have Numerical score minimum 80 from ALES. Graduate GPA must be minimum 3.00/4 (76.66/100). Minimum GPA from undergraduate to doctorate must be 3.25/4 (82.5/100). Graduation must be All Engineering, Actuarial Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Sciences, Information Systems and Technologies, Geographical Information Technologies, Science of Translation, Environmental Science and Management, Electronic Warfare, Energy Management, Physical, Statistics, Statistics and Computer Science, Chemistry / Kimya, Polar Sciences, Mathematic, Astronautics Sciences, Earth System Science. • Students from different disciplines are required to complete the scientific preparatory class. Scientific preparation courses of Atmospheric Sciences Master´s and Doctorate Program consist of at least 5 courses that must be taken from undergraduate level courses. 1. Compulsory course pool: Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences, Atmospheric Dynamics I, Atmospheric Dynamics II, Weather Analysis and Forecasting I, Weather Analysis and Forecasting II 2. Elective course pool: All other compulsory and elective courses in the current curriculum. Descriptions: a. At least 4 courses must be selected from the compulsory course pool. b. At least 1 course must be selected in the Elective course pool. c. Scientific preparation courses can be completed in two or in one semester.
Quota (For T.C Nationality): 15
Application Requirements (For International Students) ALES Numerical must be minimum 65 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 652, new system GRE minimum 152 ). Applicants who will apply for PhD programs after their undergraduate level degree are required to have Numerical score minimum 80 from ALES. Graduate GPA must be minimum 3.00/4 (76.66/100). Minimum GPA from undergraduate to doctorate must be 3.25/4 (82.5/100). Graduation must be All Engineering, Actuarial Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Sciences, Information Systems and Technologies, Geographical Information Technologies, Science of Translation, Environmental Science and Management, Electronic Warfare, Energy Management, Physical, Statistics, Statistics and Computer Science, Chemistry / Kimya, Polar Sciences, Mathematic, Astronautics Sciences, Earth System Science. • Students from different disciplines are required to complete the scientific preparatory class. Scientific preparation courses of Atmospheric Sciences Master´s and Doctorate Program consist of at least 5 courses that must be taken from undergraduate level courses. 1. Compulsory course pool: Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences, Atmospheric Dynamics I, Atmospheric Dynamics II, Weather Analysis and Forecasting I, Weather Analysis and Forecasting II 2. Elective course pool: All other compulsory and elective courses in the current curriculum. Descriptions: a. At least 4 courses must be selected from the compulsory course pool. b. At least 1 course must be selected in the Elective course pool. c. Scientific preparation courses can be completed in two or in one semester.
Quota (For International Students): 5
Transfer Quota : 3
Application Page Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles
Application requirements, application dates, and quotas are updated in real-time from the Application System.
Program Learning Environments
The Atmospheric Sciences Doctoral Program supports research and education through modern learning environments.
Physical Infrastructure: Theoretical education is provided in classrooms, while numerical modeling, data analysis, and simulations are conducted in computer laboratories. Experimental research in atmospheric physics, climate dynamics, air quality, and hydrometeorology is carried out in specialized laboratories.
Observation Systems: Students gain real-time data collection experience through meteorological observation stations and automatic weather systems on ITU campus. Atmospheric processes are monitored using satellite receivers and radar data.
Computing Centers: Atmospheric modeling, climate simulations, and big data analytics are performed using high-performance computers. WRF, CMAQ, RegCM modeling software and GIS-based analysis tools are utilized.
Library Resources: ITU Mustafa Inan Library provides atmospheric sciences literature, electronic journals, and academic databases. Students access national and international publications, thesis archives, and technical reports.
Research Environments: Students gain research experience through projects with TÜBİTAK, Turkish State Meteorological Service, and Ministry of Environment. Work opportunities in laboratories at different institutions are provided through research networks.
Digital Platforms: Online course materials, seminar recordings, and interactive modules support education. Remote access to research data and software is available.
These learning environments enable doctoral students to become qualified scientists by acquiring theoretical knowledge and practical research skills.
English Proficiency
Regulations and Guidelines
Academic Calendar
Course Plans
Course Schedules
Course Adjustment and Exemption Procedures
Program Educational Objectives
The Atmospheric Sciences Doctoral Program aims for its graduates to possess the following competencies:
1. Scientific Research and Original Contribution: Graduates will conduct original research in atmospheric sciences with expertise in atmospheric dynamics, climate change, air quality, and meteorological modeling.
2. Advanced Research Methods and Technologies: Graduates will effectively utilize numerical modeling, data assimilation, satellite meteorology, GIS, remote sensing, and big data analytics in their research.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates will collaborate with experts from physics, mathematics, engineering, environmental and computer sciences, leading interdisciplinary projects.
4. Academic Communication: Graduates will publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and write scientific reports in Turkish and English.5. Solutions for Global Issues: Graduates will address climate change, air pollution, water resources, extreme weather, and disaster risk management, providing policy consultancy and decision support systems.
6. Ethical Values: Graduates will adhere to research ethics, avoid plagiarism, and use scientific knowledge for societal benefit.
7. Continuous Learning: Graduates will follow developments in atmospheric sciences and embrace lifelong learning.
8. Career Competency: Graduates will pursue careers in academia, TÜBİTAK, Turkish State Meteorological Service, and private sector in climate services, renewable energy, and aviation.
9. Project Management: Graduates will design and manage research projects, lead teams, and effectively utilize funding resources.
10. International Networking: Graduates will actively participate in scientific communities, establish collaborative networks, and enhance Turkey's international visibility in atmospheric sciences.
Doctoral graduates will become leading researchers in atmospheric sciences both in Turkey and internationally.
Measurement and Evaluation
Evaluating Student Success
The student success is evaluated considering Articles 56, 57, 58, and 59 of the Istanbul Technical University Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles.
ARTICLE 56 - Before the enrollment for the courses begins, the faculty member who offers the course informs the Program Executive Committee about the types, number and contribution percentage to the final grade of the studies within the semester, as well as requirements for a right to take the semester final exam. These requirements shall be finalized by approval of the Program Executive Committee and approval of the chair of the department, who declares them to the student and informs the Graduate School.
ARTICLE 57 - A student may appeal the final grade of a course within one week following the announcement of the grades. Appeals must be submitted to the Graduate School in writing. The relevant faculty member shall re-evaluate the student's success status and submit the result to the Graduate School within one week. Appeals not submitted within the prescribed time frame shall not be considered by the Graduate School.
ARTICLE 58 - Courses in graduate programs shall be evaluated according to the following grading system.
| Grade Description |
Grade |
Scale |
| Excellent |
AA |
4.00 |
| Very good plus |
BA+ |
3.75 |
| Very good |
BA |
3.50 |
| Good plus |
BB+ |
3.25 |
| Good |
BB |
3.00 |
| Conditional Pass |
CB+ |
2.75 |
| Conditional Pass |
CB |
2.50 |
| Conditional Pass |
CC+ |
2.25 |
| Conditional Pass |
CC |
2.00 |
| Fail |
FF |
0.00 |
| Fail(No Exam) |
VF |
0.00 |
ARTICLE 59 - Students who wish to improve their cumulative grade point average may retake courses during the course-taking period. The most recent grade will be counted for the repeated courses.
Internship
There is no internship in this program.
Graduation Requirements
PhD students must successfully complete elective 24 credits. If they successfully complete the proficiency examination and doctoral thesis, they will have a doctorate degree.
For the submission of the doctorate thesis; the condition that at least a paper produced from the thesis is published or accepted to be published in internationally indexed and refreed or peer-reviewed journals is sought.
The Awarded Degree and Title
Degree : Doctor of Philosophy Title : Doctor of Philosophy
Program Employment Opportunities
The ITU Atmospheric Sciences PhD Program offers graduates a wide range of national and international career opportunities. Alumni can work in various fields such as climate research, weather forecasting, disaster risk reduction, renewable energy, aviation, and environmental management. Employment areas include:
*Turkish State Meteorological Service (weather forecasting, climate analysis, early warning systems)
*State Hydraulic Works (hydrology, flood forecasting, basin management)
*Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (drought monitoring, agricultural meteorology, fire weather services)
*Disaster and Emergency Management Authority – AFAD (risk analysis, disaster early warning systems)
*Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (climate policy and adaptation strategies)
*General Directorate of Renewable Energy (wind and solar energy potential assessment)
*Turkish Airlines and other aviation companies (aviation meteorology and flight safety)
*General Directorate of State Airports Authority (airport meteorological operations)
*Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography Department (marine weather forecasting)
*Municipal Climate and Environmental Departments (local climate action planning)
*Renewable energy companies (wind farm site analysis, solar energy forecasting)
*Insurance and reinsurance companies including TARSİM (catastrophe and climate risk analysis)
*TV and media organizations (broadcast meteorology and consultancy)
*Environmental consultancy firms (air quality modeling, environmental impact assessment)
*Defense industry organizations (operational meteorology and atmospheric modeling)
*Maritime and port operations (marine meteorology services)
*Artificial intelligence and data science companies (climate data analytics, predictive modeling)
*Research institutes and R&D centers (including TÜBİTAK projects)
*International organizations (WMO, UNEP, UNDP, World Bank climate projects)
*Universities and academic institutions (teaching and research careers)
Graduates of the program are equipped with strong analytical skills in atmospheric processes, mathematical modeling, and climate risk management, making them valuable experts across diverse professional sectors.
Number of Graduates
Graduate Statistics
| Year | Number of Graduates |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
Program Outcomes
P.O.1 i. By means of developing and intensifying the current and high level knowledge including the most recent developments in the area with the use of original thinking and/or research processes and in a specialistic level, based upon the competency in undergraduate and M. Sc levels, grasping the interdisciplinary interaction related to one’s area and reaching original results by using this specialistic knowledge in synthesizing and evaluating new and complex ideas (Knowledge).
P.O.2 ii. By means of the ability to evaluate and use new information in the area with a systematical approach, developing a new idea method, design and/or application which brings about innovation in the area; or, applying a conventional idea, method, design and/or application to a different environment; researching, grasping and designing, applying and concluding an original subject, and also by the ability to critically analyze and evaluate new and complex ideas, acquiring the most developed skills about using the research methods in studies within the related area (Skill).
P.O.3 iii. By means of the ability to use gained knowledge and skills, contributing to the progress in the area by independently carrying out a study and expending the limits of knowledge by submitting or publishing at least one scientific article in a national and a SCI/SCI Expanded/EI-type international peer reviewed journals (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
P.O.4 iv. By means of fulfilling the leader role in the environment where solutions are sought for the original and interdisciplinary problems, developing area related new ideas and methods by making use of high-level intellectual processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making (Competence to work independently and take responsibility, learning competence).
P.O.5 v. Ability to see and develop social relationships and the norm directing these relationships with a critical look and ability to direct the actions to change these when necessary (Communication and social competency).
P.O.6 vi. By means of proficiency in a foreign language –at least European Language Portfolio C1 Level- and establishing written, oral and visual communication and developing argumentation skills with that language, the ability to establish effective communication with people of one’s expertise area in international environment to discuss the area related subjects and to defend original opinions, showing ones competency in the area (Communication and social competency).
P.O.7 vii. By means of contributing to the society state and progress towards being an information society by announcing and promoting the technological, scientific and social developments in one’s area, transferring them to the society with scientific objectivity and ethical responsibility and ability to establish effective communication in the solving of problems faced in that area by using strategic decision making processes, contributing to the solution of area related social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems and promoting development of these values (Area specific competency).
Program Coordinator
Head of the Department
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