The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. The undergraduate curriculum in meteorology emphasizes weather and weather forecasting, but also includes courses in climatology, atmospheric chemistry, cloud physics and remote sensing of the atmosphere with radar and satellites. As the curriculum makes clear, the study of these subjects relies on a foundation of physics, chemistry and mathematics.  Meteorology also has connections to oceanography and other geosciences disciplines, which may be taken as elective courses.

Students who receive BS degrees in Meteorology often obtain employment with the National Weather Service, private meteorological consulting and weather forecasting companies, air quality consulting firms, airlines, TV stations, energy trading companies, universities, state governments, agricultural firms and computer-related industries. Some students choose to enter the military services as weather officers. Positions in teaching and research normally require a graduate degree.

Students interested in cooperative educational arrangements and internships should contact the department’s academic advisor for information.

In the curriculum presented, students are advised to note the prerequisites for the courses in ATMO, which often depend on courses in mathematics, physics or chemistry.

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A grade of C or better is required.

²

General electives may not include ENGL 103; KINE 198-199; MATH 102, MATH 141-142, MATH 150-152, MATH 171-172, MATH 221, MATH 251, MATH 253; PHYS 101, PHYS 201-202, PHYS 218-219; AERS 100-499; MLSC 100-499; NVSC 100-499; SOMS 100-499.

³

MLSC, NVSC and AERS courses can be used as general electives if a minor is completed in Military Science. See an academic advisor for more information.

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All students enter as Lower Level Meterology (METL) until completion of ATMO 335 and ATMO 336 and the associated prerequisite courses. Once students have completed these courses, their major will be changed to Upper Level Meterology (METR), and they will be eligible to take upper-level electives. This change should occur following the fall semester of the junior year.

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Select in consultation with faculty academic advisor. Select from ATMO 300-499 (except ATMO 321); BESC 403; BIOL 111; CHEM 227, CHEM 237; ECCB 308, ECCB 309; GEOG 400-499; GEOS 400-499; MATH 311, MATH 400-499; OCNG 400-499; SCSC 301.  Up to 3 hours may be ATMO 484 (Broadcast Internship) and up to 6 hours may be ATMO 484 (NWS Internship). Only 6 hours of 484, 485, and 491 courses may apply towards this requirement.