Program Overview

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Weather and Climate Sciences

Program Overview

The Weather and Climate Certificate is for students interested in starting their educational journey in atmosphere studies. These courses are designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of meteorology, climatology, weather observation, experimentation, and weather map analysis. All classes are taught by practicing meteorologists and count towards an associate degree in University Transfer - Science, Math, and Technology.

Transfer Opportunities

Look into transfer opportunities to UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and other four-year colleges and universities, and continue your degree work in atmospheric and climate sciences.

Flexible Course Offerings

As a Weather and Climate student at Madison College, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and learn in the classroom, lab, and outdoors. Attend classes full- or part-time. Take classes at our Madison Truax and Goodman South campuses.

Curriculum and Experience

Required Courses

• Weather And Climate (3 credits)
• Weather and Climate Laboratory (1 credit)
• Climate and Climate Change (3 credits)

Additional Course List

Students must complete a minimum of 3 credits from the following:

• Survey of Oceanography (3 credits)
• Natural Hazards (3 credits)
• Aviation Meteorology (3 credits)

*Students may choose to complete an independent studies project/course with a related topic for up to 3 credits in place of one of the courses on this list.

*Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher may choose to complete an honors project in Meteorology for up to 3 credits in place of one of the courses on this list.

Admission

Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open.

To Apply

There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.

Application Dates

• Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
• Spring 2026: Application available on September 15, 2025, Application completion deadline is March 15, 2026

Additional Notes

• Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
• Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
• Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application

Career Outcomes

With the Weather and Climate Sciences certificate, you will:

• Make weather observations
• Analyze weather maps
• Explore the fundamentals of our changing climate
• Gain a foundation in the behavior of our atmosphere including formation of clouds; precipitation, and storms
• Be ready to continue studies in weather and climate sciences

Related Programs

• University Transfer - Science, Math, and Technology
• Data Analytics
• University Transfer - Education

Program Details

• Program Number: CERT
• Degree: Certificate
• Area of Study: Science, Math and Natural Resources
• Delivery Method: 100% In Person, Some Online/Some In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 10 Credits | Finish in 1 semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $2,117.70
• Tuition and Fees: View Tuition and Fees
• Net Price Calculator: Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.