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.

Department of Geography & Atmospheric Science

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.

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

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

Explore More Career 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

Atmospheric Science Overview - background material regarding the field of atmospheric science as well as "a day in the life" of an atmospheric scientist

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - overview of choosing a career in Atmospheric Science at NASA as well as specializations in the field

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - national government organization through The Department of Commerce

Physics Today - information on career paths, places of employment, and job functions for atmospheric scientists