Our undergraduate program is a four-year program culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.
In addition to the General option, students may choose to pursue one of four other options, or specialties, within the Meteorology and Atmospheric Science program. The four specialty options plus the general option are listed below and provide more information about each option.
This option challenges students to strengthen and broaden their understanding of the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere and oceans. It helps prepare them for employment in the diverse field of the atmospheric sciences and for graduate study in the atmospheric or related disciplines. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research projects under the supervision of atmospheric and oceanic scientists in the department.
Professor Sukyoung Lee
519 Walker Building
Telephone: (814) 863-1587
Email: sxl13@psu.edu
This option is designed for students who desire a firm background in climate science and an understanding of some of its applications. The option helps prepare students for employment in the growing field of climate services as well as graduate school in climate-related fields. Students are encouraged to participate in an undergraduate research project under the supervision of a faculty member involved in climate science research in the department.
Dr. Raymond Najjar
Professor of Oceanography
Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science
522 Walker Building
Email: rgn1@psu.edu
Environmental Meteorology prepares the student for understanding the impact of the weather and climate on the environment, which is to say the impacts of air and water on natural and human-altered ecosystems. In order to do this, the option establishes links between atmospheric physics and a variety of environmental disciplines pertaining to land, water, soils, and plants. Depending on his/her interests, the student will select courses in Air Quality and Dispersion, Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Geographic Information Systems, or Hydrology.
Professor William Brune
617 Walker Building
Telephone: (814) 865-3286
Email: whb2@psu.edu
The General option has sufficient flexibility to serve the needs of students who wish to pursue topics chosen broadly from sub-disciplines of meteorology or from related areas. The General option is appropriate both for students who intend to pursue postgraduate degrees and for students who want to emphasize a topic for which no option exists.
Professor Jon M. Nese
518 Walker Building
Telephone: (814) 863-4076
Email: j2n@psu.edu
This option prepares students for careers in which their skills as weather forecasters are effectively used in a variety of ways, from science reporting and television broadcasting to web design, computer-based weather graphics production, and developing innovative applications of weather and climate data to industry.
Students in this option are encouraged to get involved with Weather World, the department's weekday weather magazine show, either behind-the-scenes or on-air. To be considered for on-air work, you must take the Weather Communications classes (Meteo 481 and 482) and take (or be taking) the Forecasting Practicum (Meteo 415), and get the recommendation of the 415 instructor. You must also record an audition for the show that will be evaluated by the Weather Communications Group.
Professor Jon M. Nese
518 Walker Building
Telephone: (814) 863-4076
Email: j2n@psu.edu
Weather and climate are fundamental drivers of economic activity and financial risk. Weather affects a wide range of industries, including energy, agriculture, insurance, construction, retail, and transport, among others. Weather and climate variation play central roles in the availability of water resources, the spread of disease, and an array of other processes vital for human welfare. There are, consequently, many organizations that confront risks related to weather, and that have a demand for experts who can help them manage these risks.
The Weather Risk Management option is designed for students who wish to work professionally at this intersection of meteorology and risk management. The option combines study of meteorology and atmospheric sciences with training in risk, finance, and decision-making.
Professor Jon M. Nese
518 Walker Building
Telephone: (814) 863-4076
Email: j2n@psu.edu
