Issues, Topics and Careers in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
The following is an example of the types of issues and topics students will study within the Atmospheric Sciences specialization.
Weather forecasting
- Satellite images
- Radar
- Model output
- Reporting
Severe weather
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Hail
- Hurricanes
Micrometeorology
- Urban heat island
- Dust devils
- Radiation budgets
- Surface effects
- Pollution
Global climate change
- Human influence
- Impacts
- Detection
Climatology
- Drought and floods
- Classification
Atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics
Acquired skill sets
Students can expect to acquire and perform the following skills sets within this specialization. Students also should have a solid background in mathematics and the physical science
- Critical thinking
- Critical writing
- Research
- Strong organizational skills
Technical skills
- Quantitative data analysis
- Graphic communication (including map reading and development)
- Synoptic and mesoscale weather forecasting
Career opportunities
Geographers can find career opportunities in many fields both within and outside the field of geography. Below is a partial listing of careers that students within the Atmospheric and Climatic Studies specialization are well-suited and where previous graduates have found employment.
- Meteorologist (national weather service, television, radio, private firm)
- Climatologist
- Air quality analyst
- Outdoor parks service guide
- Professional storm chaser / weather guide
- Environmental specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Environmental monitor
- Researcher (U.S. Geological Survey, National Resource and Conservation Departments Center for Atmospheric Research, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, etc.)
- Risk analyst (insurance industry)