Program Offerings
• Bachelor of science degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences - Atmospheric Sciences
• Accelerated master’s in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Master of science degree in Atmospheric & Environmental sciences
• Doctor of philosophy degree in Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences
• Minor in Atmospheric Sciences
What is Interdisciplinary Sciences: Atmospheric Sciences?
Atmospheric sciences/meteorology is the study of the complex system of the earth’s atmosphere. This field of science strives to predict both short-term weather patterns and long-term climate processes.
What does a atmospheric scientist do?
Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate and examine how the conditions impact the earth and human beings. Meteorologists forecast tornadoes, blizzards, and other hazardous weather; air quality experts monitor environmental conditions; and climatologists study long-term weather trends and climate change.
Duties that an atmospheric scientist might undertake include:
• Measure temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, dew point, and other properties of the atmosphere
• Use computer models that analyze data about the atmosphere (also called meteorological data)
• Write computer programs to support their modeling efforts
• Conduct research to improve understanding of weather phenomena
• Generate weather graphics for users
• Report current weather conditions
• Prepare long- and short-term weather forecasts by using computers, mathematical models, satellites, radar, and local station data
• Plan, organize, and participate in outreach programs aimed at educating the public about weather
• Issue warnings to protect life and property when threatened by severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods
First-Year Courses
• Intro to atmospheric sciences
• Atmospheric physics
• Biogeochemistry
• Atmospheric Thermodynamics
• Air quality
• Global environmental change
• Radar meteorology
Course Curriculum
Link to Catalog
Internships and Co-ops
77% of Mines students gain real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and research opportunities. Atmospheric and environmental science majors earn competitive internships at:
• NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center
• National Severe Storms Laboratory
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Rapid City National Weather Service.