Program Overview

Atmospheric Sciences Degree

The Atmospheric Sciences degree at the University of North Dakota is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program that enables students to explore the Earth's atmosphere and its processes. The program prepares students for a career in this evolving field, where the next generation of atmospheric scientists will expand our understanding of meteorological phenomena and provide advanced lead time of hazardous weather.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated time to complete: 4 years
• Credit hours: 120

Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Science?

The atmosphere and its processes impact all human life on Earth. Today, our complex society and environment are affected even more seriously by events and changes in the atmosphere. With UND's atmospheric sciences undergraduate program, students will have opportunities to:

• Gain experience through opportunities such as the NWS Student Volunteer Program, daily weather broadcast, part-time employment as a teaching or research assistant, and other internships.
• Learn about atmospheric research through work with faculty on their funded research projects.
• Obtain both a B.S. and M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences in 5 years through the combined degree program.

Atmospheric Sciences Degree at UND

The program offers students the chance to:

• Learn about atmospheric research by working with faculty on cutting-edge research, with many courses including a lab component for experiential learning.
• Participate in the National Weather Service (Grand Forks) Volunteer program, with three students selected each year to gain credits towards their undergraduate major.
• Develop computer-based data analysis techniques, including a dedicated weather laboratory with AWIPS II.
• Gain experience communicating weather and science topics in both media and academic settings.
• Be eligible to live in the Atmospheric Sciences Living & Learning Community as an Atmospheric or Pre-Atmospheric Science major.
• Receive free academic support, including individual tutoring sessions and specialized writing and math support programs.

Career Opportunities

Atmospheric scientists will continue to be in high demand, with a median annual salary of $97,000 (2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and a 94% placement rate for UND students seeking employment or graduate studies in atmospheric sciences or a related field. Potential careers include:

• Weather forecaster
• Air quality scientist
• Meteorologist
• Forensic meteorologist Atmospheric Sciences alumni have gone on to successful careers with organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, XWeather, and various local and national television stations.

Atmospheric Sciences Degree Courses

Some of the courses offered in the program include:

• Introduction to Weather Forecasting (ATSC 310): An operations approach to the application of practical methodologies of weather analysis using computer textual and graphic analysis systems.
• Aviation Meteorology (ATSC 231): A study of weather hazards, meteorological flight planning, aviation weather equipment, and human factors in weather flying safety.
• Broadcast Meteorology (ATSC 315): An introduction to the field of broadcast meteorology and science communication, providing an overview of television production, the profession of broadcast meteorology, and the production, organization, critique, and presentation of weather and other science information for a public audience.
• Computer Concepts in Meteorology (ATSC 270): The course introduces students to the programming knowledge needed for manipulating observational and model data in the atmospheric sciences.
• Meteorological Instrumentation (ATSC 240): A study of the theory, design, and accuracy of instrumentation for the measurement of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and radiation.
• Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (ATSC 345): Fundamental remote sensing concepts and tools, including fundamental radiative processes in the atmosphere, principles and applications of satellite and radar, and their uses as meteorological observation and research tools.