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
- Air and Water Quality Manager
- Atmospheric Researcher
- Climatologist
- Computer Scientist
- Earth Scientist
- Hydrometeorologist
- Instrumental Technician
- Insurance Claims Investigator
- Meteorologist
- Paleoclimatologist
- Park Ranger
- Professor
- Radar Geophysicist
- Satellite Data Analyst
- Stratigrapher
- Storm Specialist
- Seismologist
- Weather Correspondent
- Weather Forecaster
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