Bachelor of Science

Atmospheric Science

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Become a Leader Predicting Weather Patterns and Climate Changes

Discover how to predict weather and climate changes through theory, modeling and observation with the bachelor’s in atmospheric science program at the University at Albany.

Lead the next generation of weather experts with a deep understanding of how atmospheric patterns impact resource use on a regional or global scale.

With meteorological events closely tied to the global economy, you will be prepared for careers in areas like homeland security, risk assessment, emergency management and environmental engineering. Many of our students also utilize their comprehensive training in atmospheric sciences to pursue advanced degrees in the field.

Program of Study
Applied Learning
Career Outcomes
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Program of Study

Learn from faculty who are world leaders in their fields of research and have close collaborations with the Albany National Weather Service, located right on campus. In addition, you will have access to the New York State Mesonet, a collection of over 100 advanced weather observation stations located across the state.

In this major you will study introductory and advanced atmospheric sciences, as well as mathematics, physics and chemistry. A mentor will guide you through elective options to align your program with your career goals in subjects including short-term and seasonal forecasting, solar energy, air pollution and extreme weather.

Atmospheric Science Courses

Weather Workshop
Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics, and Circulation
Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Environmental Statistics and Computation
Dynamic Meteorology I, II and III
Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Physical Meteorology
Meteorological Data Analysis and Visualization
Applications of Numerical Weather Prediction
Severe and Hazardous Weather and Forecasting or Water and Climate Change
At least 9 additional credits from 301 and higher level courses (excluding Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy)
A maximum of 6 credits from an internship, independent study or research may be applied toward the major requirements

Math Courses

Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus of Several Variables
Ordinary Differential Equations

Chemistry and Physics Courses

General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I
Physics I: Mechanics
Physics Lab I
Physics II: Electromagnetism

Honors Program

Students who have by the end of their fourth semester attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and a grade point average of at least 3.50 in courses required of the major in atmospheric science may apply to the department chair for the program leading to a B.S. degree with honors in atmospheric science.

Combined BS/MS Program

Accelerate your studies with the combined BS/MS Atmospheric Science program to earn both degrees in less time. Apply for admission at the beginning of your junior year, or after completing 56 credits, to start taking graduate course requirements in your senior year.

See the Undergraduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Robert Fovell at rfovell@albany.edu.

Applied Learning

Past students have taken advantage of active Departmental collaborations with international partners in Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, and China to enhance their learning experience. You will have the opportunity to pursue internships at local, state and federal agencies as well as private entities. The capital region is home to several organizations that will allow you to apply your scientific knowledge in a professional setting, including:

The New York State Mesonet
The New York State Office of Emergency Management
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Area TV stations

You can also work with a faculty mentor on research projects and present your findings at local, regional or national conferences.

Career Outcomes

With a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science degree you will be equipped for a wide variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors, or to pursue an advanced degree. Our graduates have obtained positions in organizations such as the National Weather Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as television broadcast, energy utilities and insurance companies. Potential job titles include:

Meteorologist
Research scientist
Data scientist
Forecaster
Risk management
Emergency manager
Broadcast meteorology
Pilot
Secondary and elementary education

"My undergrad experience at UAlbany was excellent in that it provided both a solid education in the theory of atmospheric science and practical experience in applied meteorology through internships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The skills I obtained during my time at Albany I continue to use to this day in my career. The tight knit atmosphere of the department allowed you to really learn a lot from your professors and develop great friendships with my classmates...many of whom I am proud to now have as colleagues."

- Timothy Humphrey, Class of 2012

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Science

Effectively communicate with colleagues or others via clear and efficient writing or presentation technique.
Acquire new knowledge and abilities by embracing a lifelong perspective of inquiry, discovery and learning.
Cogently describe the fundamental physical and dynamical processes operating in our atmosphere utilizing appropriate mathematical formulation.
Access, interpret and analyze a broad range of meteorological data, most typically for the purpose of generating an operational weather forecast.
Apply data, concepts, and models to the solution of problems in the atmospheric sciences.

What Makes The University at Albany Great

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors

Acting
Africana Studies
Anthropology
Art
Art History
Atmospheric Science
Bioethics
Biology
Broadcast Meteorology
Business
Chemistry
Chinese Studies
Cognitive Science
Communication
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice Studies
Documentary Studies
Economics
Educational Studies
Electronics
Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
English
Film Studies
Financial Market Regulation

Forensic Science
French
Geographic Information Science
Geography
Globalization Studies
Hebrew
History
Informatics
International Studies
Italian
Japanese Studies
Journalism
Judaic Studies
Korean Studies
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Law and Philosophy
Leadership
Legal Studies
LGBTQ Studies
Library and Information Science
Linguistics
Mathematics
Medical Anthropology
Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Music
Musical Theatre
Neuroscience
Organizational Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Portuguese
Psychology
Public Health
Public Policy
Religious Studies
Russian
Russian and Eastern European Studies
Social Welfare Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Sustainability
Theatre
Theatrical Design/Technology
Urban Studies and Planning
U.S. Latino Studies
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies