Atmospheric Science
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BS, as well as a MS and a PhD in atmospheric science. This degree offers four options that include a general atmospheric science degree option, an air pollution meteorology option, a hydrometeorology option (a branch of meteorology especially concerned with precipitation), and a news media forecasting option.
Atmospheric Science Program website
Sample of Related Skills
- Research atmospheric dynamics, climate science, boundary-layer processes, cloud processes, and remote sensing
- Research hurricanes, tropical meteorology, atmosphere-ocean coupling, climate, and climate change
- Broadcast and forecast weather
- Determine the effect weather systems have on the earth’s atmosphere
- Study atmospheric changes (both long and short-term) that define average climates and their change over time
Popular Career Paths
General Meteorology: Prepares one for employment with the National Weather Service, airlines, and other public/private agencies.
Air Pollution & Meteorology: Involves specialization in air quality and other environmental impacts.
Hydrometeorology: Involves a career as a meteorologist in one of the many water-related activities in private companies and governmental agencies.
News Media Forecast: Involves forecasting the weather on television.
Explore More Career Paths
- Atmospheric Science Overview - background material regarding the field of atmospheric science as well as "a day in the life" of an atmospheric scientist
- Collegegrad.com - general information about work conditions, training and wages associated with atmospheric science careers
- EnviroEducation.com - career information, salary information, and job outlook for those interested in the field of atmospheric science
- High Plains Chapter: American Meteorological Society/ National Weather Association - resource for scholarships, news and other helpful information related to meteorology in western Oklahoma to western/central Kansas and Nebraska
- Journal of Atmospheric Science - professional publication that focuses on research related to the physics, dynamics, and chemistry of the atmosphere of Earth and other planets
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration - overview of choosing a career in Atmospheric Science at NASA as well as specializations in the field
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - national government organization through The Department of Commerce
- Physics Today - information on career paths, places of employment, and job functions for atmospheric scientists
- World Meteorological Organization - news, press releases, and general information on news, weather, climate, and water
Jobs to Consider
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Places to Seek Employment
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Astronaut Corps Chemical Companies Computer and Data Processing Services Geological Industry Government Agencies Insurance Companies |
Launch Sites Museums National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Research and Testing Services Patent Law Firms |
Power Plants Private Weather Consulting Firms Recycling Plants News Stations The Department of Defense Universities |
Employment Strategies
- Identify areas of interest in atmospheric science so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications associated with careers that interest you (i.e., advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications).
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
- Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to atmospheric science, such as the American Meteorological Society, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field of interest.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant.
- Practice interviewing or conduct a mock interview at the University Career Center. List of practice questions: general interview (pdf).
- Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume (pdf).
- Complete an undergraduate research experience to gain advanced research skills.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional education.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest, such as: American Meteorologic Society - KU Chapter.
Job and Internship Search Resources
- American Meteorological Society - career information and job listings for atmospheric science and related majors
- Earth Works Jobs - resource for jobs in climate, paleoclimate, atmospheric science, meteorology, and climate change
- National Weather Association - list of career resources and job listings for the field of atmospheric science
- World Meteorological Organization - news, press releases, and general information on news, weather, climate, and water
The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/atmosphericscience.
Go back to Careers & KU Majors homepage.
