Atmospheric Sciences degree student doing newscast

Atmospheric Sciences Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Gain the knowledge and experience that will enable your journey of exploration of the Earth’s atmosphere.

The atmosphere and its processes impact all human life on Earth. The next generation of atmospheric scientists will expand our understanding of meteorological phenomena and provide advanced lead time of hazardous weather. This UND program prepares you for a career in this evolving field.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science?

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.

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 UND's atmospheric sciences undergraduate program, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Gain experience through opportunities such as the NWS Student Volunteer Program, our daily weather broadcast, part-time employment as a teaching or research assistant, and other internships.
  • Learn about atmospheric research through work with faculty on their funded research projects.

  • Obtain both a B.S. and M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences in 5 years through our combined degree program.

Atmospheric Sciences Degree at UND

  • Learn about atmospheric research by working with faculty on their cutting-edge research. Many courses include a lab component that provide students with experiential (or hands-on) learning.

  • Three students per year are selected for a National Weather Service (Grand Forks) Volunteer program. Selected students will gain credits towards their undergraduate major for participation.

  • Computer-based data analysis techniques are an integral part of the undergraduate program, including a dedicated weather laboratory with AWIPS II.

  • Gain experience communicating the weather and science topics in both media and academic settings.

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

     

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What jobs can you get with an atmospheric sciences degree?

93K

Median annual salary for an atmospheric scientist, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

94%

Placement rate for our students seeking employment or graduate studies in atmospheric sciences or a related field

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 professions like:

  • Weather forecaster
  • Air quality scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Forensic meteorologist

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

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • National Weather Service
  • XWeather
  • North Dakota Agriculturla Weather Network (NDAWN)
  • Various local and national television stations

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 231. Aviation Meteorology. 4 Credits.

A study of weather hazards, meteorological flight planning, aviation weather equipment and human factors in weather flying safety. Prerequisite: ATSC 110. Prerequisite or Corequisite: AVIT 222, AVIT 260 or AVIT 342. F,S.

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, odd years.

ATSC 270. Computer Concepts in Meteorology. 3 Credits.

The course introduces students to the programming knowledge needed for manipulating observational and model data in the atmospheric sciences. Topics include programming environments, data visualization, coding and debugging strategies, programming modules, and advanced file I/O. The example problems utilize datasets commonly found in the atmospheric sciences. Prerequisite: ATSC 110 and CSCI 160. S.

ATSC 240. Meteorological Instrumentation. 4 Credits.

A study of the theory, design, and accuracy of instrumentation for the measurement of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and radiation. In addition, topics such as radar, and the use of aircraft and balloons as instrument platforms are also discussed.Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: ATSC 110 and MATH 103. 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.

UND Atmospheric Sciences BS

Best Atmospheric Sciences Degree

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

#6 BEST ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES COLLEGE

Meteorologist Career

Few people would call a tornado a "masterpiece." Meteorologist Lydia Blume is one of them.

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