Atmospheric Science
Plans of Study 2005 and Prior
Click here to view recommended Plans of Study for students who began their majors 2005 or before.
New Atmospheric Science Plans of Study 2007
Atmospheric Science includes the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere; and many of the interactions between the atmosphere, solid earth, and oceans.
The undergraduate Atmospheric Science curriculum includes not only core courses in atmospheric science, but also complementary exposure to mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. Thus, graduates are prepared to enter the work force in specialties such as weather forecasting, climate modeling, and air pollution as well as to further their education by pursuing graduate degrees.
Curriculum Plan (PDF)
What are the possibilities in Atmospheric Science?
Weather Forecasting
These recommended plans of study are intended to prepare the student for a career in weather forecasting or for graduate work in appropriate atmospheric science specialties:
If a student is planning to work for the National Weather Service or wants the option to work for the federal government upon graduation, it is recommended that students select courses on this plan of study to meet both Federal Civil Service and 2005 AMS Guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
If a student is planning to work in Broadcasting (media) or wants that option, this plan of study is recommended to meet 2005 AMS guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
If a student is planning to work in a Business-Related career (e.g. a meteorologist for a private company), it is recommended that students select courses on the following plan of study to meet the 2005 AMS Guidelines.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
Environmental
If a student is planning to work in Environmental Monitoring or wants that option upon graduation, the following plan of study is recommended to meet 2005 AMS guidelines. One example: If a student wants to combine an interest in basic atmospheric science with a desire to explore the chemical processes associated with such contemporary problems as ozone depletion, air pollution, or climate change, there will be a number of career paths open to them, including employment opportunities with government and private sector organizations interested in these issues, or continued study of atmospheric science as a graduate student.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
Graduate School/Research
If a student is planning to attend Graduate School, work in Research, or wants one of these options, the following plan of study is recommended and will meet 2005 AMS guidelines.
Areas of research include but are not limited to the theoretical foundations for the dynamics of atmospheric motion systems and the mathematical constructs required to expose those theories, as well as their applications to weather phenomena on different spatial and temporal scales and the physical processes in the atmosphere that attend the formation of clouds and precipitation, the transfer of solar and terrestrial radiation, and in situ and remote measurements of atmospheric parameters, or the design of such instruments.
Recommended Plan of Study (PDF)
