Purpose

The Certificate in Atmospheric Science provides a broad and rigorous introduction to the atmospheric sciences, allowing students to study variability in and changes to the modern atmosphere. Coursework within the atmospheric sciences helps students to better understand atmospheric processes and their impacts on natural ecosystems and human society through the study of such topics as air pollution, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, climate variations, the water cycle, weather forecasting, and wind energy. The certificate also emphasizes the development of skills in scientific programming, meteorological instrumentation, and statistics.

Requirements 

As part of completing a bachelor’s degree and in addition to completing the requirements for a major in another department, students may earn a certificate in Atmospheric Science. The certificate requires a minimum of 24 credit hours (i.e., 8 courses) in atmospheric science courses. Any course taken to satisfy the requirements of the certificate must be completed with a minimum grade of C, and the GPA of all courses taken in the certificate must exceed 2.700. In fulfilling these requirements, students must meet all other College requirements for certificates.

1. Basic foundation courses (Both are required): GEOL-G 122 and GEOL-G 340.
2. Remaining credits to be chosen from GEOL-G 339, GEOL-G 347, GEOL-G 364, GEOL-G 434, GEOL-G 437, GEOL-G 438, GEOL-G 448, GEOL-G 470, GEOL-G 476, GEOL-X 498, PHYS P310, and SPEA E451.

Note: A transcriptable concentration in Atmospheric Science is available to students pursuing a B.S. in Geological Sciences. The Certificate in Atmospheric Science is not available to students who are pursuing a B.A. major in Geological Sciences.