Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Online Graduate Certificate Program
Overview
The Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences offers a graduate-level certificate in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Program is an excellent micro-credential for those looking to transition to or advance in the field of atmospheric sciences, or in preparation for admission into the online master’s degree program. This certificate is designed to meet the existing high demand for advanced expertise and tools in the atmospheric sciences, whether you are a newer professional in the field or a veteran simply needing to update your skills for career advancement.
The graduate-level certificate is a 12-credit program and provides an ideal bridge into the 32-credit hour online Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Master’s degree, should students desire to continue on and pursue an advanced graduate degree. The certificate is fully online, which allows for flexibility around your personal and professional obligations.
Students completing the Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics Online Graduate Certificate Program must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of online courses offered by the Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences—typically three 4-credit courses. Once formally admitted to the certificate program, students should consult a program adviser regarding course selection/sequencing based upon their particular area of interest and desired professional goals.
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Prerequisites
- Bachelor of Science degree (in a physical science discipline) from an accredited college in the United States or an approved international institution of higher education.
- GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher for the last 60 semester hours of their Bachelor of Science program. Students who do not meet the 3.0/4.0 GPA criterion may still be eligible to enroll if they have significant experience outside of the classroom. Such students are encouraged to contact Dr. Alicia Klees, Online Program Faculty Coordinator at: aklees@illinois.edu
Certificate Application Deadlines:
Spring 2026: January 10, 2026
Summer 2026: June 1, 2026
Fall 2026: August 15, 2026
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!
Meghan Field —Spring 2024 graduate of the online Certificate in Weather and Climate Risk and Data Analytics