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Atmospheric Science

College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science

If you want to explore weather phenomena and patterns as well as crucial environmental challenges, atmospheric science is the major for you! Atmospheric science is the study of physics, solar radiation, meteorological processes, climate change and variations, air pollution, and more all wrapped up in one discipline. You can gain a broad background on atmospheric science while also having an influence on human ecology and environmental biology. This major will provide you the ability to help communities prepare for and respond to severe weather events such as floods, heat waves, hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts. Our graduates are qualified to become National Weather Service meteorologists.

Major Requirements

You will begin your studies by developing a strong foundation in mathematics and the natural sciences. At the upper-division level, you will take a series of courses in weather observation, analysis and forecasting as the groundwork for the courses in specialized weather and science topics that follow. In addition to your coursework in atmospheric science, you will take advanced courses in other disciplines (such as chemistry, environmental studies or computer programming) to broaden your understanding of modern meteorology.

Contact Information

Degree Outcomes

Careers

  • Air quality specialist/scientist
  • Atmospheric chemist
  • Atmospheric science researcher
  • Broadcast meteorologist
  • Climate scientist
  • Educator
  • Environmental scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Renewable energy consultant

Graduate Study

  • Atmospheric science
  • Education
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Environmental science

Alumni Employers

  • California Air Resources Board
  • Air Pollution Control Districts
  • National Weather Service
  • Department of Water Resources
  • The Weather Channel
  • Land IQ
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