Atmospheric Sciences, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences
The Atmospheric Science, BSLAS prepares students for careers in a wide range of disciplines within the atmospheric sciences including meteorology, environmental science, climate, remote sensing, science education, broadcast, 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 meteorology, climate, or science communication in their elective choices.
With a BSLAS 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 such 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 or through independent study at any point throughout their undergrad.
The undergraduate curriculum in the Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences is designed to produce the most competitive undergraduates in the job field. The department exposes students to all aspects of atmospheric sciences while also allowing time to develop a plan of study to meet their educational and career goals. Through advising, students will expand beyond the required courses to choose from electives in their area of interest.
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.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
Minimum hours required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 57-58 hours including at least 32 hours in Atmospheric Sciences. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required) | 0-20 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation and Professional Development | ||
| LAS 101 | Design Your First Year Experience | 1 |
OR | ||
| LAS 100 & LAS 101 | Success in LAS for International Students and Design Your First Year Experience | 3 |
OR | ||
| LAS 102 | Transfer Advantage | 1 |
| Total Hours | 1 or 3 | |
Major Requirements:
| 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 202 | General Physical Climate | 3 |
| ATMS 207 | Weather and Climate Data Science | 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 |
| Total Hours | 57-58 | |
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 |
| LAS 101 | 1 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 201 | 3 |
| MATH 231 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (4th level) | 4 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| PHYS 211 | 4 |
| MATH 241 | 4 |
| ATMS 303 | 4 |
| ATMS 207 | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 202 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| MATH 285 | 3 |
| PHYS 212 | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 301 | 3 |
| ATMS 305 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| CHEM 102 | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | 1 |
| 13 | |
| Total Hours 13 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 306 | 3 |
| ATMS 307 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| ATMS 302 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 304 | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 2 |
| 14 | |
| Total Hours 14 | |
Total Hours: 120
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences
Upon graduation, an Atmospheric Sciences major will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental structure of the atmosphere, describe the dynamical and physical processes that control weather, and apply weather analysis tools to interpret data and generate basic forecasts.
- Describe natural and anthropogenic processes that influence climate, analyze data related to global climate change, and evaluate the relative impact of human activities on climate systems.
- Demonstrate computational problem-solving skills.
- Produce clear, well-organized scientific writing, deliver effective oral presentations on scientific topics, and demonstrate research skills by contributing to the design, execution, or communication of a scientific project.
- Explain the societal impacts of weather and climate.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Atmospheric Sciences
Department of Climate, Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
CliMAS Website
CliMAS Undergraduate Programs
E-mail: atmos-sci@illinois.edu
CliMAS Faculty