Atmospheric Sciences, BSLAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences

The Science and Letters Curriculum in Atmospheric Science prepares students for careers in a wide range of disciplines within the atmospheric sciences including meteorology, environmental science, climate, remote sensing, science education, atmospheric chemistry, computational science and other areas. The curriculum is tailored to achieve the student’s long term educational goals, their career aspirations in atmospheric science, and their general interests in the field. All students receive a firm foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry, and develop data analysis and computational skills that can be used in a wide range of applications within and beyond the atmospheric sciences. Students can emphasize specific areas of interest in their elective choices.

With a B.S. degree in Atmospheric Science, students have opportunities for employment as meteorologists and atmospheric scientists within agencies of government (e.g. the National Weather Service, NOAA, NASA, EPA, DOD, DOE), many private firms, and in colleges and universities for those who continue with graduate education. Most students take part in independent study, internship or research projects as a capstone experience in their senior year. Students interested in a research career in atmospheric science are encouraged to undertake research projects in the capstone experience.

The undergraduate curriculum in atmospheric science is modeled on the recently published recommendations of the American Meteorological Society. The American Meteorological Society is the professional society for atmospheric scientists and meteorologists in the United States. Their "recommended attributes" for undergraduate degree programs in the atmospheric sciences and meteorology are guidelines for graduates to be successful in finding employment or in seeking admission to graduate programs.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences

Departmental distinction: Students majoring in Atmospheric Sciences can earn distinction, high distinction, and highest distinction upon graduation. The requirements for these awards are:

For distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.

For high distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.

For highest distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7 and also completed an approved senior thesis or approved research capstone.

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.

Minimum required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 58-59 hours including at least 32 hours in Atmospheric Sciences.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
PHYS 211	University Physics: Mechanics	4
PHYS 212	University Physics: Elec & Mag	4
CHEM 102	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 103	General Chemistry Lab I	1
MATH 220	Calculus	4-5
or MATH 221	Calculus I
MATH 231	Calculus II	3
MATH 241	Calculus III	4
MATH 285	Intro Differential Equations	3
ATMS 201	General Physical Meteorology	3
ATMS 301	Atmospheric Thermodynamics	3
ATMS 302	Atmospheric Dynamics I	3
ATMS 303	Synoptic-Dynamic Wea Analysis	4
ATMS 304	Radiative Transfer-Remote Sens	3
ATMS 305	Computing and Data Analysis	3
ATMS 306	Cloud Physics	3
ATMS 307	Climate Processes	3
ATMS 313	Synoptic Weather Forecasting	4
ATMS 314	Mesoscale Dynamics	3
Total Hours		58-59

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First Semester	Hours
Free Elective course	1
MATH 220 or 221	4
Composition I or General Education course	4
Language Other Than English (3rd level)	4
CHEM 102	3
	16
Total Hours 16

First Year
Second Semester	Hours
ATMS 201	3
MATH 231	3
General Education course or Composition I	3
Language Other Than English (4th level)	4
CHEM 103	1
	14
Total Hours 14

Second Year
First Semester	Hours
ATMS 303	4
PHYS 211	4
MATH 241	4
General Education course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Second Year
Second Semester	Hours
ATMS 302	3
PHYS 212	4
MATH 285	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	2
	15
Total Hours 15

Third Year
First Semester	Hours
ATMS 301	3
ATMS 305	3
General Education course	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Third Year
Second Semester	Hours
ATMS 304	3
ATMS 314	3
General Education course	3
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Fourth Year
First Semester	Hours
ATMS 306	3
ATMS 313	4
General Education course	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	2
	15
Total Hours 15

Fourth Year
Second Semester	Hours
ATMS 307	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	3
Free Elective course	3
	15
Total Hours 15

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences

All students will have a fundamental understanding of the atmosphere and the dynamical and physical processes that control weather, including weather analysis and forecasting.
All students will have a fundamental understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control climate and global change.
All students will have demonstrable computational problem-solving skills.
All students will develop competency in clear scientific written and oral communication, and participate in scientific research.
All students will have an understanding of the societal impacts of weather and climate.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences