Based on theoretical descriptions of coherence and polarization, and considering the partially coherent Gaussian-Schell model (EGSM), the expressions for the degree of polarization (DoP) and the angle of polarization of a beam propagating in atmospheric turbulence are derived. The effects of turbulence on the DoP and the angle of polarization of upstream and downstream beams were analyzed. A comparative analysis of the polarization characteristics of light beams propagating upstream and downstream through atmospheric turbulence was performed. The effects of the beam waist radius, amplitude ratio, wavelength, and atmospheric refractive index structure constant on the polarization characteristics of the EGSM beams were analyzed.