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Minor in Atmospheric Sciences

This minor will provide a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, and a solid background in Atmospheric Physics (AOSC 431) and Atmospheric Dynamics (METO 432), as offered b two required courses. It is aimed at students that might consider graduate work in meteorology, or prepare them for the very favorable job market in the Washington area, where a background in meteorology can be an important asset. Students attempting this minor will need as strong background in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at the level of MATH 240 or 461, PHYS 270 and PHYS 271; CHEM 103, which are prerequisites for the required courses. Student interested in taking this Minor program should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science for advisement. This minor is not open to students who major in Physical Sciences with a concentration in meteorology, or who major in Physics within the Meteorology Physics area of concentration. This Minor will require 15 credits. The students must choose two electives from:
  • AOSC 123 Global Change
  • AOSC 200 Weather and Climate
  • AOSC 400 The Atmosphere
The following two courses are required:
  • AOSC 431 Meteorology for Scientists and Engineers I
  • AOSC 432 Meteorology for Scientists and Engineers II
One elective from:
  • Other 400 level courses offered in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science on a regular basis or from a list of non-permanent electives that will be offered by Research Scientists, regular faculty from Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, or members of the Earth SystemScience Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC)
  • Courses offered by the Department of Geology and Geography, such as:

    • GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present
    • GEOL 452 (Watershed and Wetland Hydrology)
    • GEOG 446 Applied Climatology
    • GEOG 447 Advanced Biogeography
    • GEOG 472 Remote sensing
A total of 15 credits is required. All courses presented for the Minor must be passed with a grade of C or better.

Oversight and Record keeping:

Oversight of this Minor Program will be through the normal academic process of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science The department’s Undergraduate Director will be responsible for ensuring that students are properly advised and that records are appropriately kept.