The Postgraduate Program of Studies in Atmospheric Physics and Global Change provides studies focused on research and management of environmental problems, such as air pollution on a local and global scale, global changes and climate, analysis of environmental data, measurement of environmental parameters, preparation of Environmental Impact Studies, specialization in atmospheric models and databases, in learning programming languages and specialized Software. Additionally, the Program provides many professional opportunities to its graduates, as they will have the opportunity to specialize on contemporary issues concerning:

  • the development of environmental management and IT applications,
  • the development of environmental applications and services based on satellite remote sensing,
  • the development of management tools related to climate change, and
  • the enhancement of their skills in the design and management of research and consulting projects related to the Environment.

Through the knowledge that graduates of the Program are going to acquire, it is expected that they will be able to offer high quality services: (i) to Universities and Research Centers, (ii) to local government and public bodies dealing with Environmental management, (iii) to the private sector, to companies offering services on Environmental issues,  and (iv) international organizations such as the European Space Agency, the European Environment Agency, etc.

The MSc in Environmental Physics of the School of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which is a forerunner of this Program, began its operation in the academic year 1992-1993. During its approximately 30 years of operation, about 300 students have been trained, of which 230 graduated.  The course of absorption of graduates from the labor market and research so far (2023) is considered particularly satisfactory.

Figure 1 graphically presents the number of graduates of the MSc in Environmental Physics per year, from the beginning of its operation until the academic year 2021-2022. The total number of graduates from the year 1995-1996 onwards is 231 and the average number of graduates per year is 8.6.

 

Figure 1: The number of graduates of the MSc in Environmental Physics per year, from the beginning of its operation until the academic year 2021-2022.

 

Regarding the subsequent development of graduates of the MSc in Environmental Physics, the available data, which are presented in Figure 2, show that a large percentage (~36%) continue their studies with a PhD either in Greece or abroad. Of those who obtain a PhD, a significant part work as professors or researchers in Universities or Research Centers in Greece or abroad. Finally,  according to Figure 3, 46% of the graduates of the MSc currently pursue a research career in Greece and abroad, 14% follow an academic career and 15% are then engaged in education at various levels. Finally, a significant percentage of graduates (~25%), which is generally difficult to calculate precisely, are directed towards the labor market in the private or public sector,  in Greece or abroad.

 

Figure 2: Percentage of graduates of the MSc in Environmental Physics who continue with doctoral studies

Figure 3: The percentage employment of graduates of the MSc in Environmental Physics