The Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences is an internationally recognized leader in research and education in atmospheric, climate, and environmental sciences.
Program in Atmospheric Science
The undergraduate program in atmospheric science provides a broad background in three fundamental areas of atmospheric science: synoptic (observations and weather forecasting), dynamic (theory and computer modeling), and physical (lightning, cloud physics, atmospheric chemistry). Because the department has a highly active research program in these areas, many opportunities exist for undergraduate research projects and part-time jobs.
The first two years of the program provide basic training in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory atmospheric science. All students are encouraged to take one or two 100-level courses for enjoyment and experience (these count as electives but not as courses for the major). In the junior and senior years, requirements in the fundamental areas of atmospheric science are combined with electives, including advanced courses on atmospheric physics, atmospheric dynamics, weather forecasting, tropical meteorology and hurricanes, solar energy, air pollution, climatology, and computer applications.
Many opportunities exist for students to become involved in department activities. Each semester, students can take part in internship programs with the on-campus office of the National Weather Service (NWS), the New York State Mesonet, the New York State Office of Emergency Management; and many others.
In addition, a weather forecasting competition is held in the department each semester while classes are in session. The forecasting contest, along with concurrent weather discussions led by a faculty member, are open to all undergraduate majors. Undergraduates hired part-time and during the summer through research grants have the chance to work closely with a faculty member while contributing to current meteorological research. The Eastern New York Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) meets regularly and provides speakers of general interest on a variety of meteorological topics. Through these and other activities, the department offers exciting and varied opportunities to any student curious about the science of the atmosphere around us.
Careers
Graduates obtain employment in weather forecasting, environmental engineering, TV broadcasting, scientific consulting, and other private firms; in university departments and research laboratories; and in federal and state agencies such as the National Weather Service, U.S. Air Force, and NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. Graduate school and the pursuit of an advanced degree is an expected option for our graduates. (The department offers full financial support and a complete tuition waiver to most students accepted into our graduate program.)
Degree Requirements for the Atmospheric Science B.S.:
A minimum of 70 credits for the combined major and minor including:
Required Atmospheric Science Courses:
- AATM 209 Investigating the Atmosphere (1)
- AATM 210 Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics and Circulation (3)
- AATM 211 Weather Analysis and Forecasting (4)
- AATM 315 Environmental Statistics and Computation (4)
- AATM 316 Dynamic Meteorology I (3)
- AATM 317 Dynamic Meteorology II (3)
- AATM 320 Atmospheric Thermodynamics (3)
- AATM 321Y Physical Meteorology (4)
- AATM 350 Meteorological Data Analysis and Visualization (2)
- AATM 419 Applications of Numerical Weather Prediction (3)
- AMAT 214 Calculus of Several Variables (4)
- CINF 108 Programming for Problem Solving (3)
Choose one of the following Options:
- AATM 400 Synoptic Meteorology I (4)
- AATM 413 Weather, Climate Change, and Societal Impacts (3)
Choose one of the following Options:
- AATM 306 Climate Variability and Change (3)
- AATM 405 Water and Climate Change (4)
- AATM 415 Climate Laboratory (3)
- AENV 302 Ocean Science (3)
- AENV 450 Paleo Climatology (3)
- AENV 490 Major Topics in Environmental Science (3)
Interdisciplinary Required Courses:
Choose one of the following Chemistry options:
- ACHM 115 General Chemistry I and Lab (4)
- ACHM 120 General Chemistry I (3) and ACHM 124 General Chemistry Lab I (1)
- TCHM 130 Honors General Chemistry I and ACHM 124 General Chemistry I Lab or TCHM 135 Honors General Chemistry Lab I
Choose one of the following Calculus I Options:
- AMAT 111 Algebra and Calculus II (4)
- AMAT 112 Calculus I (4)
- AMAT 118 Honors Calculus I (4)
- TMAT 118 Honors Calculus I Honors College (4)
Choose one of the following Calculus II Options:
- AMAT 113 Calculus II (4)
- AMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4)
- TMAT 119 Honors Calculus II Honors College (4)
Choose one of the following Physics I Options:
- APHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3) and APHY 145 Physics I Lab (1)
- APHY 141 Advanced Physics I: Mechanics (3) and APHY 145 Physics I Lab (1)
- TPHY 141 Honors Physics I: Mechanics (3) and APHY 145 Physics I Lab (1)
Choose one of the following Physics II Options:
- APHY 150 Physic II: Electromagnetism (3)
- APHY 151 Advanced Physic II: Electromagnetism (3)
- TPHY 151 Honors Physic II: Electromagnetism (3)
Choose one of the following Senior Level Courses:
- AATM 485 Senior Seminars in Atmospheric Science (1)
- AATM 495 Advanced Research in Atmospheric Science (1-3)
- AATM 497 Independent Study II (1-3)
- AATM 499 Undergraduate Research in Atmospheric Science (3)
Additional 9 credits must be chosen from the following options; no more that six credits may come from AATM 496, AATM 497, AATM 498, or AATM 499; further, a maximum of 3 credits from AATM 490 will apply.
- AATM 301 Surface Hydrology and Hydrometeorology (3)
- AATM 304/Z Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy (3)
- AATM 305 Global Physical Climatology (3)
- AATM 307/Z Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
- AATM 327 Meteorological and Environmental Measurement (3)
- AATM 335 Meteorological Remote Sensing (3)
- AATM 362 National Weather Service Operations I (1)
- AATM 363 National Weather Service Operations II (1)
- AATM 400 Synoptic Meteorology I (4)
- AATM 401 Synoptic Meteorology II (3)
- AATM 405 Water and Climate Change (3)
- AATM 408 Hydrometeorology (3)
- AATM 409 Atmospheric Precipitation Process (3)
- AATM 413 Weather, Climate Change, and Societal Impacts (3)
- AATM 414 Air Pollution Meteorology (3)
- AATM 418 Dynamic Meteorology III (3)
- AATM 421 Tropical Meteorology (3)
- AATM 440 Applications of Subseasonal to Seasonal Dynamics (3)
- AATM 450 Computer Applications in Atmospheric Science (3)
- AATM 480 Special Topics in Atmospheric Science (1-4)
- AATM 496 Internship in Atmospherics Science (1-3)
- AATM 497 Independent Study II (1-3)
- AATM 498 Computer Applications in Meteorological Research (3)
- AATM 499 Undergraduate Research in Atmospheric Science (3)
A solid foundation in physics and mathematics is recommended for all students planning to major in atmospheric science. It is recommended that all students considering this major meet with a representative of the department before each of the freshman and sophomore registration sessions.
Departmental 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. Applications must be submitted before the end of the first semester of the student’s junior year and must be accompanied by letters of recommendation from at least two faculty members.
To be admitted to the program, a student must have completed two semesters of physics (APHY 140 or 141 or TPHY 141, APHY 145, APHY 150 or 151 or TPHY 151), three semesters of mathematics (AMAT 111 or 112 or 118 or TMAT 118, AMAT 113 or 119 or TMAT 119, AMAT 214), and must be enrolled in or have completed AATM 316. These requirements may be altered, upon request, for qualified transfer students. At the end of the junior year, the student’s program will be reviewed by the Honors Committee to see if satisfactory progress is being made.
To be eligible for a degree with honors, students must complete a minimum of 82 credits specified as follows: (1) the general program B.S.; (2) any two additional AATM courses from 301 or higher, or AMAT 215 or 220; and (3) 6 credits of AATM 499 taken over at least two semesters culminating in a significant undergraduate thesis and an honors seminar in the student’s final semester. No more than 9 credits from AATM 490, 497, 498 or 499 may be applied to the major requirements; a maximum of 3 credits from AATM 490 will apply. Students in the program must maintain both a minimum grade point average of 3.25 overall and 3.50 in the major coursework during the junior and senior years.
Upon completion of the requirements, the honors committee will make its recommendation to the faculty to grant the degree with honors in atmospheric science based upon the candidate’s (1) academic record, (2) research project report, (3) honors seminar, and (4) faculty recommendations.
Combined B.S./M.S. Program
The combined B.S./M.S. program in atmospheric science provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to fulfill simultaneously undergraduate and graduate course requirements in their senior year, thereby accelerating progress toward the M.S. degree. A carefully designed program can permit a student to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees one year sooner than is otherwise possible.
The combined program requires a minimum of 138 credits, of which at least 30 must be graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.S., students must meet all University and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major described previously, the minimum 60-credit liberal arts and sciences requirement, the general education requirements, and residency requirements. In qualifying for the M.S., students must meet all University and college requirements as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin, including completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and any other conditions such as a research seminar, thesis, comprehensive examination, professional experience, and residency requirements. Up to 9 graduate credits may be applied simultaneously to both the B.S. and M.S. programs.
In the summer following the senior year, the student will begin work on his or her graduate research. In preparation for this accelerated research program, the student will be required to take two semesters (6 credits) of AATM 499, Undergraduate Research, during the junior or senior year. These 6 credits may be counted toward the undergraduate elective requirement from either of the following requirements: (1) from any four additional AATM courses at the 400 or 500 level as advised or (2) from 6 additional credits in mathematics or sciences as advised.
Students may apply for admission to the combined degree program in atmospheric science at the beginning of their junior year or after the successful completion of 56 credits. A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher and three supportive letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration.
Program in Climate Science
The undergraduate program in climate science focuses on conceptual understanding of the Earth’s complex climate system and the solving of problems relating to climate and environmental science. While still science-centered, the climate science curriculum places less emphasis on theoretical meteorology than the atmospheric science program and greater emphasis on acquiring a holistic view of climate as a system and its interaction with the environment and human society. As a consequence, the climate science program requires fewer physics and math classes than the atmospheric science program and instead prioritizes chemistry, statistics and data analysis, oceans and hydrology, and climate modeling, among other subjects. This will appeal to students who are interested in the policy and the societal aspects of climate and climate change as well as the opportunity (via elective coursework) to explore them.
The climate science program is a combined major/minor and thus no formal (additional) minor is required. However, the program also contains 24 free elective credits that can be used, perhaps in combination with courses applied to the major, to pursue minors such as Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, Geography, Informatics, and other options, as well as certificate programs such as those in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Geographic Information Systems. The student may not declare a minor in Atmospheric Science.
Careers
Potential careers include jobs in the private sector (e.g., environmental consulting, risk management, assessment, and mitigation, and renewable energy) and the public sector (e.g., policy making positions at the federal, state, or local level) that require understanding of the climate system and its interconnections, feedbacks, and climate change. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate education in climate or environmental science, opening up careers in research and/or higher education. Additionally, graduates with this degree are well prepared to consider advanced degrees in other fields such as business administration (M.B.A.), law (J.D.), or K-12 education. The climate science curriculum satisfies the NYSED preparation requirements for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Earth Science education.
Degree Requirements for the Climate Science B.S.:
A minimum of 72 credits for the combined major and minor including:
- AATM 209 Investigating the Atmosphere (1)
- AATM 210 Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics, and Circulation (3)
- AATM 306 Climate Variability and Change (3)
- AATM 405 Water and Climate Change (3)
- Select One of the Following Options:
- ACHM 115 General Chemistry I (4)
- ACHM 120 General Chemistry I and ACHM 124 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- TCHM 130 Advanced General Chemistry I (3) and ACHM 124 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
- TCHM 135 Advanced General Chemistry I and Lab (4)
- Select One of the Following Options:
- ACHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
- ACHM 121 General Chemistry II (3) and ACHM 125 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- TCHM 131 Advanced General Chemistry II and ACHM 125 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
- TCHM 136 Advanced General Chemistry II (4)
- AENV 105 Introduction to Environmental Science (3)
- AENV 106 Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory (1)
- AENV 221 Understanding the Earth (3)
- AENV 250 Sustainable Development: Energy and Resources (3)
- AENV 302 Ocean Science (3)
- AENV/AATM 315 Environmental Statistics and Computation (4)
- AENV 327 Meteorological and Environmental Measurement (3)
- AENV/AATM 415 Climate Laboratory (3)
- AENV 450 Paleoclimatology (3)
- AENV 490 Major Topics in Environmental Science (3)
- CINF 108 Programming for Problem Solving (3)
Choose one of the following Calculus I Options:
- AMAT 112 Calculus I (4)
- AMAT 118 Honors Calculus I (4)
- TMAT 118 Honors Calculus I Honors College (4)
Choose one of the following Calculus II Options:
- AMAT 113 Calculus II (4)
- AMAT 119 Honors Calculus II (4)
- TMAT 119 Honors Calculus II Honors College (4)
Choose one of the following Physics I Options:
- APHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3)
- APHY 141 Advanced Physics I: Mechanics (3)
- TPHY 141 Honors Physics I: Mechanics (3)
15 Upper-Division Electives from Upper-Division Courses or the following options:
- AATM 304 Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy (3)
- AATM 335 Meteorological Remote Sensing (3)
- AATM 413 Weather, Climate Change, and Societal Impacts (3)
- AENV 365 Environmental Science Field Work Experience (1)
- AENV 404 The Adirondack Environment (3)
- AENV 496 Internship in Environmental Science (1-3)
- AENV 497 Independent Study (1-3)
- AENV 498 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science (3)
- AGOG 484 Remote Sensing I (3)
- AGOG 485 Remote Sensing II (3)
- AGOG 496/AUSP 456 Geographic Information Systems (3)
- AGOG 498/AUSP 457 Advanced GIS (3)
- CEHC 370 Risk Assessment and Management (3)
- CEHC 402 Risk, Planning, and Continuity (3)
- CEHC 405 Crisis and Vulnerable Populations (3)
- IESE 301 Introduction to Environmental and Sustainable Engineering (3)
- IESE 332 Air Quality Modeling (3)
- IESE 381 Energy Engineering (3)
- IESE 431 Air Pollution Control (3)
- or other courses by advisement.
It is recommended that all students considering this major meet with a representative of the department before each of the freshman and sophomore registration sessions.
Program in Environmental Studies
In the undergraduate program in Environmental Studies, students develop a holistic understanding of the Earth's environmental systems and how they interface with human society. The curriculum includes a foundation of coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, and atmospheric and environmental science that provides students the tools needed to understand environmental systems. This is complemented with coursework in other disciplines to contextualize environmental issues by approaching them from geographic, planning, cultural, ethical, historical, political, and/or economic perspectives. Towards the end of the program, students take coursework that leverages interdisciplinary approaches to analyze complex environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to enrich their education through opportunities for research and internships.
Careers
Potential careers include jobs in the private sector (e.g., environmental consulting, environmental conservation, environmental remediation and monitoring, mitigation, and renewable energy) and the public sector (e.g., NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Health, NYSERDA, US Geologic Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, local Departments of Parks and Recreation, and policy making positions at the federal, state, or local level) that require understanding of the interactions between humans and their environment. Graduates may also pursue a postgraduate education in environmental science, opening careers in research and/or higher education. Additionally, graduates with this degree are well prepared to consider advanced degrees in other fields such as business administration (M.B.A.), environmental law (J.D.), or K-12 education.
Degree Requirements for the Environmental Studies B.A.:
A minimum of 68 credits for the combined major and minor including:
- AATM 210 Atmospheric Structure, Thermodynamics, and Circulation (3)
- ABIO 130 General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics (3)
- ABIO 131 General Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology (3)
- ACHM 115 General Chemistry I and Lab (4)
- AENV 105 Introduction to Environmental Science (3)
- AENV 106 Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory (1)
- AENV 221 Understanding the Earth (3)
- AENV 250 Sustainable Development: Energy and Resources (3)
- AENV 302 Ocean Science (3)
- AENV/AATM 327 Meteorological and Environmental Measurement (3)
- AENV 490 Major Topics in Environmental Science (3)
- AMAT 108 Elementary Statistics (3)
Choose one of the following Courses:
- AENV 404 The Adirondack Environment (3)
- AATM 304 Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy (3)
Choose one of the following Courses:
- AHIS 329 American Environmental History (3)
- AANT 355 Environmental Anthropology (3)
Choose one of the following Calculus I Options:
- AMAT 100 Precalculus Mathematics (3)
- AMAT 106 Survey of Calculus (3)
- AMAT 112 Calculus I (4)
- AMAT 118 Honors Calculus I (4)
- TMAT 118 Honors Calculus I Honors College (4)
Choose one of the following Physics Options:
- APHY 105 General Physics I (3)
- APHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3)
- APHY 142 Physics I: Advanced Mechanics (3)
- TPHY 141 Honors Physics I: Mechanics (3)
Choose one of the following Courses:
- HSPH 321 Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health (3)
- AGOG/AUSP 430 Environmental Planning (3)
Choose One of the Following Courses:
- RPAD/RPOS 140 Introduction to Public Policy (3)
- RPOS 101 American Politics
- RPOS 102 Comparative and International Politics (3)
- AECO 110 Principles of Economics I: Microeconomics (3)
- AGOG 102 Introduction to Human Geography (3-4)
Elective courses (15 additional credits, at least 9 of which must be upper division):
- AENV/AATM 315 Environmental Statistics and Computation (4)
- AENV 365 Environmental Science Fieldwork Experience (1)
- AENV 404 The Adirondack Environment (3)
- AENV 450 Paleoclimatology (3)
- AENV 480 Special Topics in Environmental Science (1-4)
- AENV 496 Internship in Environmental Science (1-3)
- AENV 498 Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science (3)
- AATM 304 Air Quality and Air Pollution Policy (3)
- AANT 355 Environmental Anthropology (3)
- ABIO 201 Biological Laboratory Investigations I (1)
- ABIO 202Z Biological Laboratory Investigations II (1)
- ABIO 212Y Introductory Genetics (4)
- ABIO 326 Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (2)
- ABIO 328 Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory (2)
- ABIO 330 Principles of Ecology and Evolution (3)
- ABIO 401 Ecology (3)
- ABIO 402 Evolution (3)
- AECO 385 Environmental Economics (3)
- AGOG 424 Landscape Ecology (3)
- AGOG/AUSP 430 Environmental Planning (3)
- AGOG/AUSP 460 People, Place, and Power (3)
- AGOG 484 Remote Sensing I (3)
- AGOG 485 Remote Sensing II (3)
- AGOG 496/AUSP 456 Geographic Information Systems (3)
- AGOG 498/AUSP 457 Advanced GIS (3)
- AHST 302 America in the Age of Sail (3)
- AHIS 329 American Environmental History (3)
- APHI 365 Environmental Ethics (3)
- AUSP 432 Parks, Preservation and Heritage Planning (3) missed for Degree Services
- AWSS/ALCS 430Z Environmental Justice: Racism, Classism, Sexism (3)
- HSPH 321 Global Environmental Issues and Their Effect on Human Health (3)
- IESE 221 Introduction to Sustainable Engineering (3)
- RPAD 475 Understanding Energy Policy and Climate Change (3)