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 
  
     
• 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 

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 

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