Students working in the field

Atmospheric Sciences

Combined 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:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
150

Why earn combined degree in atmospheric sciences at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 16
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1


Students seeking the combined degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies during their junior year.

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 Science Degrees

If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, apply to UND and your program. As a current student, connect with your advisor to make sure you stay on track for the combined or accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your undergraduate and graduate degree at the same time.

Atmospheric Sciences Programat 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.

Atmospheric Sciences Careers

92K

Median salary for a geoscientist

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6%

Projected growth for this field through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations

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

Atmospheric Sciences Courses You Could Take

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. Prerequisites: ATSC 210 and MATH 166. F.

ATSC 315. Broadcast Meteorology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of broadcast meteorology which provides an overview of television production, the profession of broadcast meteorology, AMS Seal requirements, ethics and the production, organization, critique, and presentation of weather information. Prerequisites: ATSC 310 and Communication or Atmospheric Sciences major. 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.

Leaders that Do

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

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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