Online Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate in Weather & Climate Risk & Data Analytics

#13 Top Public National University U.S. News and World 2022

100% OnlineA world-class education wherever you are

$8,544 Complete the certificate program for $8,544 or the master's program for $22,784

About Our Program

What is Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics?

Our program is different than traditional weather forecasting. We teach you to conduct computational analysis/analytics of weather and climate data, implement and use predictive models for the weather-climate interface, and assess weather and climate-related risk. This particular skillset is different than but complementary to forecasting skills, and is particularly desirable in the private sector, which is the fastest-growing employment sector in the atmospheric sciences.

Is weather and climate data right for me?

Students already working in the atmospheric sciences and related fields, or those already engaged in preparing for a career in these fields, can earn a terminal degree specifically focused on the tools and knowledge needed to assess weather and climate risk, and conduct rigorous analysis of weather and climate data. Gain cutting-edge marketability, knowledge, and skills to increase your earning potential.

Stackable

If you're not ready to commit to a full M.S. program, you can start with the 12-credit-hour graduate certificate program. If you decide to continue your education, all 12 credit hours in the certificate transfer into the master's degree program.

Career Possibilities

Advance your career with advanced knowledge and critical skills needed to lead in the diverse field of atmospheric sciences. It’s customized for working professionals, allowing you to complete it in two years, or take it at a slower pace to fit your schedule, without interrupting your career.

Master's Degree Certificate Program

What skills will students gain?

Understand how and why weather/climate phenomena produce high-impact hazards
Develop a cutting-edge data analytics toolkit in Python for weather/climate data
Create statistical models in R to evaluate and predict weather/climate risk
Build statistical models to evaluate variability and change in the climate

Where do graduates get jobs?

Risk Assessment
Insurance/Re-Insurance
Data Analytics and Data Science Applications
Client-Specific Weather and Climate Modeling
Big Data Management and Curation
Agriculture
Energy
Air Quality
Subseasonal-To-Seasonal Prediction
Education

Why choose the University of Illinois?

Top-ranked public university
Leader and innovator in online education
Faculty are leading scientists and award-winning lecturers
100% online
Enrollment in spring, summer or fall semesters
Opportunities to connect with worldwide industry experts

Application Deadlines

Master's Degree
- Apply by August 1, 2024 to start in Fall 2024
Certificate
- Apply by August 15, 2024 to start in Fall 2024

Hear more from others

Meghan Field

Spring 2024 graduate, Online Certificate in Weather and Climate Risk & Data Analytics

"Dr. Alicia Klees is so personable. She really cares and treats each student as if we were in-person. She makes the online experience feel so real like an in-person classroom setting and she is the best professor I have ever had online! "

Eric Snodgrass
Principal Atmospheric Scientist--Nutrien Ag Solutions

"I use a lot of skill and tools in my role as an atmospheric scientist supporting an agricultural company and its clients. Some key things that students in this program can do that are looking for opportunities to advance within a role would be to understand the science deeply surrounding atmospheric sciences and data analysis. Communication skills are absolutely necessary to effectively share information with a wide variety of audiences, including non-scientists. Finally, data analysis and research skills are so crucial, especially the ability to use Python. Making connections between atmospheric sciences and potential risks to natural resources, crops or livestock and the ability to relay this information in a meaningful way to a client is increasingly growing in demand."

Jeff Trapp
Professor and Department Head

"The Department of Atmospheric Sciences conceived this idea back in 2018 after talking with our alumni and colleagues working in the private sector, who expressed frustration in finding qualified applicants for positions in their companies. We learned that the computational and analytical skills they desired in applicants matched well with the courses we were already teaching to our students. An online program seemed like a great way to share these courses more broadly!”

Alicia Klees
Teaching Assistant Professor & Online Program Faculty Coordinator

"One of my favorite roles as the Online Programs Faculty Coordinator is connecting our students with Illinois faculty and project mentors in the public and private sectors on customized capstone research projects. These dynamic projects demonstrate our students’ abilities to become industry leaders, excel in project management, and work in dynamic team environments."

Bryan Engelsen
Current University of Illinois online graduate student

“I came across the graduate program in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics on social media, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to refine and build my existing python skillset. I took ATMS 517—it was an awesome class that could be taken by anyone without any previous programming experience. The pace, structure, and content of the course were all critical for me being able to handle the workload and learn relevant material while working a full-time job. After taking this course, I am using the skills I learned every day.”

Heather Miller
SESE Online Programs Coordinator and ESE Instructor

“This is a truly unique program, where students will engage with world-renowned faculty as well as practitioners in the private and public sector. Students have an opportunity to learn from a wide variety of professionals, apply skills in real-world situations, as well as customize their educational path to meet their professional and personal goals, which sets this program apart from others. We look forward to working with each and every student throughout their time in the program!"