Atmospheric Sciences, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major 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 Major 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.
| 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 Major 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 | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free elective course | 1 | ATMS 201 | 3 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 4 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 | General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | 3 | CHEM 103 | 1 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 303 | 4 | ATMS 302 | 3 |
| PHYS 211 | 4 | PHYS 212 | 4 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | MATH 285 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 2 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 301 | 3 | ATMS 304 | 3 |
| ATMS 305 | 3 | ATMS 314 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 306 | 3 | ATMS 307 | 3 |
| ATMS 313 | 4 | Free elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 2 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major 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 Major in Atmospheric Sciences
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
Atmospheric Sciences faculty
Atmospheric Sciences advising
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of LAS admissions & requirements