Atmospheric Sciences Major Concentrations
Choose Your Path to a Degree in Atmospheric Sciences
UNC Asheville offers multiple pathways for students to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences through three focused, career-driven concentrations. Students can choose from curricula in Weather Forecasting, Climatology, or Broadcast Meteorology, each designed to meet professional guidelines for employment as a meteorologist or climatologist. All concentrations combine scientific rigor with hands-on experience and prepare students to turn their passions for weather and climate into meaningful careers and advanced study.
Weather Forecasting
The weather forecasting concentration equips students with the skills required for employment as a meteorologist. Students in the weather forecasting concentration typically prepare for careers with the National Weather Service or the wide-ranging and emerging private forecasting enterprise. This concentration fulfills federal Civil Service requirements for employment as a meteorologist.
Climatology
The climatology concentration focuses on climatology courses and statistics to prepare students for careers as climatologists through advanced work in the atmospheric sciences. Students in the climatology concentration generally aim for careers in the climate sector. Historically, many atmospheric sciences students in this concentration have continued their education in graduate school. This concentration fulfills federal Civil Service requirements for employment as a meteorologist.
Broadcast Meteorology
The Broadcast Meteorology concentration fulfills requirements for the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program and prepares students for careers that involve communication of weather and climate information to the public. This concentration blends the science of meteorology with important media skills. Students gain real-world broadcasting experience in our own campus television studio.
Minor in Atmospheric Sciences
We invite you to explore a minor in Atmospheric Sciences to expand your academic horizons. Popular double major or major/minor pairings with Atmospheric Sciences include Mathematics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Physics, Astronomy, Data Science, and more!
Ready for What's Next?
With a wide range of hands-on experiences related to data analysis, forecasting, fieldwork, and undergraduate research, your pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences at UNC Asheville offers an undergraduate experience unlike any other.