Atmospheric Studies Major
What
is Atmospheric Studies?
Atmospheric science, meteorology, is
the study of the behavior and predictability of the Earth's
atmosphere. The atmosphere is a fluid system that responds
to and is understood as being affected by a wide range
of physical, chemical and energy processes. Atmospheric
science also studies the societal and economic impacts
of weather and climate. Atmospheric science stresses the
interaction of weather and climate, and seeks to understand
and improve techniques addressing the practical problems
of weather forecasting and climate prediction. Environmental
issues such as extended periods of drought, air pollution,
global warming, microclimate preservation, ozone layer
deterioration and acid rain are of growing importance
to society.
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What
Kinds of Students Major in Atmospheric Science?
Students majoring in atmospheric science
should be strong in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and
computer science. This major combines advanced courses
in these areas with courses in meteorology.
Because employment in this field is
highly competitive, students should consider a strong
minor or a second major to complement the major in atmospheric
science. Many students match this discipline with minors
or majors in communications, agronomy, computer science,
geology, chemical engineering or chemistry, education
or physics.
Students who enjoy atmospheric science
also tend to enjoy physics, mathematics and computing.
This is a highly abstract science since it deals with
large weather phenomena that are only understood with
computer and mathematical models. There is often a need
to engage in graduate work in order to gain employment
in this field.
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What
Courses Do Atmospheric Science Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics |
Global
Climate Change |
Meteorology
of the Continents |
Weather
Instrumentation |
The
Atmosphere |
The
Upper Atmosphere |
Major
Environmental Issues |
Synoptic
Meteorology |
The
Oceans |
Weather
Analysis and Forecasting |
Air
Quality |
Atmospheric
Thermodynamics |
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What
Types of Positions do Atmospheric Science Majors Take
After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Weather
Forecaster |
Media
Weather Forecaster |
Secondary
Earth Science Teacher |
Air
Quality Monitoring |
Solar/Wind
Energy Development |
Meteorological
Instrumentation |
Weather
Modification |
Air
Quality Assessment |
Environmental
Assessment |
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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
| For information on options
available to campuses wishing to see their majors
listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
Atmospheric Studies Major
