Students working in the field

Combined Atmospheric Science Degree

B.S./M.S.

Accelerate your education with a combined degree in Atmospheric Sciences and join the next generation of atmospheric experts.

If you’re looking for the straightest line from education to professional, a UND Master of Science (M.S.) degree is right for you. And, now with the option of a combined degree program, you can complete your higher education in an efficient way. With this graduate program, you’ll gain the hands-on and practical expertise that today’s employers are looking for.

Program type:
Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
150

Why earn a combined Atmospheric Sciences degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Aug. 1* | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. You’ll declare your program of study as an undergraduate student and follow a straightforward plan to graduate with a master’s degree.

  1. Incoming freshman or transfer students apply to UND as an undergraduate student.
  2. After completing 60 credits, apply to the School of Graduate Studies.

 

Today, our complex society and our environment are affected even more seriously by events and changes in the atmosphere. Be a part of the next generation of atmospheric scientists who continue to expand our knowledge of weather and help keep the public safe from hazards..

With this UND combined undergraduate and graduate program, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Benefit from program that allows you to tailor your curriculum by selecting from a wide variety of related fields.
  • Accelerate your path to completion of a graduate degree.
  • Work with faculty who are conducting cutting edge research with agencies such as NASA, NSF, and the Naval Research Laboratory.
  • Expand your career possibilities with an M.S. degree, which is becoming increasingly preferred by many employers.

Combined Atmospheric Sciences Degree at UND

  • Faculty hire students to help with their research.

  • Many courses include a lab component that provide students with experiential (or hands-on) learning.

  • Complete a B.S. and a M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences in 5 years.

  • Computer-based data analysis techniques are an integral part of the undergraduate program, including the use of the latest technology.

  • Atmospheric and Pre-Atmospheric Science majors are eligible to live in the Atmospheric Sciences Living & Learning Community.

What can you do with a combined Atmospheric Sciences degree?

93K

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6%

Projected job outlook for a meteorologist through 2033 (faster than average). The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Atmospheric scientists will continue to be in high demand. A new generation of meteorologists is needed to help safe-guard lives and property, as well as expand our knowledge of atmospheric processes.

UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities with professional like:

  • Weather forecaster
  • Air quality scientist
  • Graduate student
  • Meteorologist
  • Atmospheric scientist
  • Forensic meteorologist

An Atmospheric Sciences degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Weather forecasting
  • Meteorology
  • Linux
  • C (Programming Language)
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Python (Programming Language)

Where can I work with a combined atmospheric sciences degree?

Atmospheric Sciences alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • National Weather Service
  • Iteris, Inc.
  • Aerisweather, LLC
  • Grand Forks Park District

Combined Atmospheric Sciences Degree Courses

ATSC 310. Introduction to Weather Forecasting. 3 Credits.

An operations approach to application of practical methodologies of weather analysis using computer textual and graphic analysis systems. Involves routine weather laboratory activities commonly found within the operational sector of meteorology. Prerequisite: ATSC 210. S.

ATSC 345. Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere. 3 Credits.

Fundamental remote sensing concepts and tools including fundamental radiative processes in the atmosphere. Principles and applications of satellite and radar and their uses as meteorological observation and research tools. Additional instruments may be discussed including lidar, wind profilers, radio acoustic profilers, and other profiling systems. Prerequisite: ATSC 210, ATSC 270, and MATH 166. F.

ATSC 315. Broadcast Meteorology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of broadcast meteorology and science communication which provides an overview of television production, the profession of broadcast meteorology, AMS Seal requirements, role of the station scientist, ethics and the production, organization, critique, and presentation of weather and other science information for a public audience. Prerequisite: ATSC 210. F, even years.

ATSC 518. Advanced Synoptic Meteorology. 3 Credits.

Advanced analysis of atmospheric processes important to large-scale flows. Quasigeotropic and semi-geotropic theory, behavior of extratropical systems, fronts and jets, geotropic adjustment, blocking and IPV thinking. Prerequisite: ATSC 505 or equivalent.

ATSC 530. Numerical Weather Prediction. 3 Credits.

Covers scale analysis in atmospheric prediction; numerical methods; various atmospheric prediction models; the use of filtering, smoothing, interpolation, weighting and adjustment in objective analysis techniques; numerical forecasting; current NWP structures and applications. Prerequisite: ATSC 505.

ATSC 552. Satellite Meteorology. 3 Credits.

A study of remote sensing technologies for atmospheric applications. Topics include basic radiation and remote sensing methods, image data processing, atmospheric and geometric corrections, radiometric and geometric enhancements, image classification, and selected meteorological applications using satellite remote sensing. S, even years.

UND Atmospheric Sciences BS-MS Combined

Best Atmospheric Sciences College

Our atmospheric sciences program consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

RANKED #6 BEST ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES COLLEGE

Leaders that Do

The University of North Dakota's Storm Chase course puts you in the heart of the action! Each summer, UND students embark on a two-week academic adventure, learning about weather patterns, storm development, and forecasting – all while chasing supercells across the Great Plains.

UND students produce daily forecasts, working on weather tracking, writing scripts and on-screen experience. Students also learn how to build thermometers to gain real-world understanding of how instruments work.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.

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