Atmospheric Science Major

• What is Atmospheric Science?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Atmospheric Science?
• What Courses Do Atmospheric Science Majors Take?
• List of Atmospheric Science Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Atmospheric Science Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Atmospheric Science?

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 Atmospheric Science 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.

The Oceans	Air Quality
Atmospheric Thermodynamics	Global Climate Change
Major Environmental Issues	Meteorology of the Continents
Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics	Synoptic Meteorology
The Atmosphere	The Upper Atmosphere
Weather Analysis and Forecasting	Weather Instrumentation

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List of Potential Jobs in Atmospheric Science

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.

Solar/Wind Energy Development	Air Quality Assessment
Air Quality Monitoring	Environmental Assessment
Media Weather Forecaster	Meteorological Instrumentation
Secondary Earth Science Teacher	Weather Forecaster
Weather Modification

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What is the Median Salary Range for Atmospheric Science Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$53,400

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$94,500

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Atmospheric Science

MyMajors complete list has 64 schools in the USA with a major in Atmospheric Science.
-View the national listing!

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