Atmospheric Sciences
The Atmospheric Sciences Department at UNC Asheville provides a solid academic learning and professional training program for students interested in climatology and weather forecasting. The B.S. program offers climatology and weather forecasting concentrations, which prepare students for employment or for graduate study and meet federal requirements for employment as a meteorologist. Atmospheric Sciences majors are encouraged to participate in cooperative education, professional internship courses and undergraduate research. The NOAA/NESDIS National Climatic Data Center located in Asheville represents a unique resource for Atmospheric Sciences majors. The National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) also offers research opportunities through its many collaborations.
Students interested in employment as meteorologists after graduation learn the basics of weather analysis and forecasting, along with the skills needed to communicate meteorological information to the public. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree previously may choose to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate of Atmospheric Sciences.
Programs of Study
UNC Asheville offers two concentrations, Weather Forecasting and Climatology. Weather Forecasting which has the greater enrollment, requires 30 semester hours of Atmospheric Sciences courses focusing on operational meteorology. The program has an excellent reputation in the region and across the country, thanks to the expertise and professionalism of our graduates. Climatology prepares students for advanced study in atmospheric sciences. The curriculum includes 33 semester hours in meteorology and climatology and focuses on quantitative skills. The minor in Atmospheric Sciences also is offered.
Faculty
The full-time faculty members contribute the following specialties: synoptic meteorology, physical meteorology, thermodynamics and dynamics, weather analysis and forecasting, mesoscale meteorology, meteorological instruments and applied climatology. Professionals from the National Climatic Data Center serve as adjunct professors.
Facilities
The operational meteorology laboratory in Robinson Hall offers hands-on experience. The lab is equipped with PCs running Linux and Windows XP operating systems, laser jet printers, a data projector and fast Internet connection. It provides students with current weather maps and data, satellite and radar imagery and numerical model forecasts. Special meteorological applications (such as MCIDAS and GEMPAK) and MATLAB and GIS packages are available to students at all class levels.
A rooftop weather station continuously monitors and displays real-time weather data, which are uploaded to the departmental Web page. Students maintain a weather forecast phone line for the public during the school year. The National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center, located in adjacent Rhoades hall, not only provides research opportunities for students but also strengthens the curriculum.
Undergraduate Research
Research is an important part of the Atmospheric Sciences Department. Qualified students from all class levels have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members or mentors on individual projects, earning as much as 6 credit hours for successful completion of a project.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
Recent graduates hold positions at the National Weather Service and NASA, with private companies and TV stations, while others continue their training in graduate schools across the country and at N.C. State University in Raleigh.
More Information
Atmospheric Sciences
236 Robinson Hall, CPO #2450
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8511
828.251.6149 or 232.5157
fax: 828.232.5046
ahuang@unca.edu