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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

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.

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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.

 

 

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options


You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Atmospheric Science undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MS in Atmospheric Science
This master’s program advances your knowledge of climate systems and processes that govern the atmosphere to prepare you for a robust career in the public or private sector in areas like meteorology, education or climate analysis.
 

MS in Information Science 
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.
 

MS in Secondary Education
This New York State-approved teacher preparation program provides you with initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools.

UAlbany graduate at Commencement

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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

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    Living-Learning Communities

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

    student abroad visiting a monument

    Study Abroad

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

    Student conducting undergraduate research

    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
    • East Asian Studies
    • Economics
    • Educational Studies
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • 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
    • Pre-Education
    • 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