Atmospheric Science Major

The curriculum is designed with two primary objectives. First, the core program aligns with the standards set by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and fulfills the qualifications for employment in meteorology, including positions with the National Weather Service (NWS) and various consulting and professional meteorological services. 

Second, students planning to pursue graduate studies will be well-equipped for advanced education, often supplementing the core curriculum with additional courses in mathematics, physics, and atmospheric science. Those interested in a broader exploration of environmental topics may also take courses offered through the separate Earth and Atmospheric Sciences major, which can be completed alongside the atmospheric sciences prorgram.

CALS seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement. Admissions requirements include:

• 4 Units of English

• 4 Units of Mathematics (including calculus, BC calculus recommended)

• 3 Units of Science (including biology, chemistry, and physics)

• An additional unit of science is strongly recommended

For a list of requirements for this major, please visit the B.S. Atmospheric Sciences program page.

• Apply the scientific method using real-world data, including formulation of hypotheses, the use of varied approaches (experimental and observational) for testing hypotheses, integration of knowledge to solve problems in atmospheric science and appropriate intergretation of data encountered in class, lab, field and/or the literature.
• Collect, organize, analyze and interpret quantitative information meaningfully, using mathematical and/or statistical tools and computer applications as appropriate to the discipline of Atmospheric Science
• Synthesize a cogent argument in language appropriate to the field of study, including written and oral communication skills and presentation of results using graphs and equations, when appropriate and demonstrate the ability to convey this information to scientific and other audiences.