Atmospheric Science Major

The Atmospheric Science Major at Cornell University prepares students to understand and analyze weather and climate systems. The program offers experience in interpreting and forecasting meteorological events. Students work hands-on with weather and climate models, datasets, and state-of-the-art analysis software. Many students engage in undergraduate research.

Program Overview

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 program.

Admissions Requirements

• 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

Major Requirements

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

Learning Outcomes

• 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 interpretation 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.

Minor in Atmospheric Science

A student may minor in Atmospheric Science by completing:

• Two of the following core courses:
  • EAS 3410: Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics
  • EAS 3420: Atmospheric Dynamics
  • EAS 4470: Physical Meteorology
• And two of the following Earth and Atmospheric Science courses:
  • EAS 1310: Basic Principles of Meteorology
  • EAS 2500: Meteorological Observations and Instruments
  • EAS 2680: Climate and Global Warming
  • EAS 3050: Climate Dynamics
  • EAS 3340: Microclimatology
  • EAS 3520: Synoptic Meteorology I
  • EAS 4350: Statistics in Meteorology and Climatology
  • EAS 4510: Synoptic Meteorology II
  • EAS 4570: Atmospheric Air Pollution
  • EAS 4700: Advanced Weather Forecasting and Analysis
  • EAS 4860: Tropical Meteorology and Climate

Transfer Student Admissions

For Transfers Entering as Sophomores:

• Calculus I & II
• One Semester of Introductory Biology with Lab
• Two College Writing/English Composition courses OR one writing/composition course and one Public Speaking course (AP courses count)

For Transfers Entering as Juniors:

• Calculus I & II
• One Semester of Introductory Biology with lab
• Physics I & II (calculus-based) with labs at the content level of PHYS 1112 (Mechanics) and PHYS 2213 (Electromagnetism) OR CHEM 1560
• Differential Equations and/or Statistics
• Computer Programming (Python Preferred) at the level of CS 1110 or EAS 2900
• Two College Writing/English Composition courses or one writing/composition and Public Speaking (AP courses count)

Careers in Atmospheric Science

• Atmospheric Sciences
  • Broadcast meteorologist
  • Flight risk management
  • Risk management consultant
  • Weekend broadcast meteorologist
• Meteorology
  • Broadcast meteorologist and reporter
  • Climate forecast meteorologist
  • Meteorology consultant
  • Risk communications analyst
• More
  • City Year teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Registered nurse

Research Areas

The Atmospheric Science Major at Cornell University encompasses various research areas, including but not limited to:

• Climate Change
• Meteorology
• Atmospheric Dynamics
• Physical Meteorology
• Climate Dynamics
• Microclimatology
• Synoptic Meteorology
• Statistics in Meteorology and Climatology
• Atmospheric Air Pollution
• Advanced Weather Forecasting and Analysis
• Tropical Meteorology and Climate

Additional Programs

• Student Organizations
• Graduate Programs
• Study Abroad

Department Resources

• Faculty & Experts
• Facilities
• Tools & Resources