International Master in Atmospheric Sciences (InMAS)

 

 

What is InMAS about?

The “International Master in Atmospheric Sciences” (InMas) program is a double-degree program, normally completed in two years. The first year is in general completed at the "home" institution (JGU Mainz), and the second year at one of our partners in Europe or the US (the "host"). Students will obtain two degrees, a regular "M.Sc. degree in Meteorology" (with thesis) at JGU, plus another M.Sc. degree from any of the programs listed below:

  • Université Clermont-Auvergne (Clermont-Ferrand, France): Master "Sciences de la Terre et des planètes, environnement (STPE)", with concentration "Sciences de l’Atmosphère et du Climat (ScAC)"
  • University of Wyoming (Wyoming, USA): "M.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences"
  • Ilia State University (Tbilisi, Georgia): "Master of Atmospheric Sciences"

JGU InMAS students need to complete 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) at JGU typically during th first year of studies, before they can complete their InMAS degree at one of the InMAS partners, where they complete 60 ECTS credits (or 18 credits at University of Wyoming), normally in the second year. Hereby 50% of the credits will be obtained from a second (host) university of the list above. Upon successful completion of 120 ECTS or 60 ECTS credits plus 18 UW credits, the student will be awarded the two Master degrees, one from JGU, and one from the host university. These degrees will be accompanied by a supplement specifying the context of the “International Master in Atmospheric Sciences” program.

Since april 2021 the french-german part of InMAS has entered the network of the french-german universities (Université franco-allemande/ Deutsch-Französische Hochschule)
https://www.dfh-ufa.org/fr/

 

Why should you apply for a double degree program?

The International Master in Atmospheric Sciences (InMAS) program aims to link the complementary strengths of research institutes in atmospheric sciences, to enable the student to specialize in a research subject outside the area of expertise of the Johanns Gutenberg University, and fulfills the personal interest in travel and professional experience abroad. It is designed in particular for those students that want to pursue a career in research, teaching or enterprise in atmospheric or related sciences.

Whereas the climate science community is generally working from a global perspective, the research on smaller scale processes determining climate change, meteorology and air quality is more diverse. Due to the high costs of advanced equipment and the associated mandatory competence, there are not many laboratories working on more specialized subjects, such as cloud physics. In particular, research on cloud processes and air quality is conducted in only few labs across the globe, even though these processes are fundamental to the climate system and to weather forecasting.

The idea of the InMAS degree is to give students access to top-quality instructors and scientists, and their tools. The consortium initially is composed of four universities, each hosting specialized, complementary lab resources that are internationally recognized. Together, they can provide experience with the latest in situ & remote instrumentation and modelling tools.

The InMAS partners are all relatively small units, in terms of student and faculty numbers, but they have access to internationally recognized research labs. This will assure individualized student support and mentoring, and at the same time, exposure to state-of-the-art technology. In addition, the universities are located in small to medium sized cities in Europe and the USA, which makes them attractive, with modest living expenses.

The InMAS degree will increase your chances of success in a transnational discipline in a globalized world. Whether you want to pursue a career as a scientist or an environmental manager, you will benefit from an exposure to a transnational culture. The InMAS degree will foster excellence, quality improvements, innovation and internationalisation, and will improve the level of competence and skills of Master graduates in the labor market.

Application procedure

Only students enrolled in one of the participating MSc programs are able to participate in InMAS. Any credits for a Master’s degree while enrolled outside the attributed InMAS home or host university cannot not be taken into account for the InMAS credit balance. All applications shall be composed of:

  • the application form (download here)(The student can submit up to 2 applications representing a 1st and 2nd choice of the host university)
  • the student’s CV
  • a letter of motivation
  • at least one letter of recommendation
  • a copy of the candidate’s diploma and transcripts of the academic records
  • a proof of sufficient English language proficiency (Wyoming only accepts TOEFL or TOIC)
  • a study program of 120 ECTS, 50% from the home university and 50% from the host university (download form here) (60 ECTS is equivalent to 18 US credits).

The local coordinator of InMAS will serve as a contact for the student, will assist the student in the application process and help in the compilation of the study program.

Admission procedure

All applications will be examined by the InMAS committee and ranked taking into account:

  • motivation of the student
  • merit records
  • selected host universities and balance of incoming and outgoing students
  • feasibility of the study plan (in collaboration with the home and host Master’s programs and the local education councils)
  • language proficiency

The InMAS committee will offer places to applicants who appear to have the highest potential for graduate study and who, with the benefit of a graduate education, are the most likely to contribute substantially to their academic or professional fields through teaching, research, or professional practice. Once accepted by the InMAS committee, the student will be eligible to apply for registration at the host university under the terms of this dual program. The host university, however, has final authority on the administrative admission decisions.