Atmospheric Sciences (BS)

The Atmospheric Sciences program at Ohio State is one of the top five programs in the country and the highest ranked program in Ohio. Students have access to renowned research and laboratory facilities, including a forecasting lab with AWIPS II and GR2Analyst software installed on each computer.

Our program is one of only a handful of meteorology programs in the state of Ohio that meets the 1340 Series curricular requirements established by the American Meteorological Society to apply for operational and broadcast meteorology positions. Students are at a distinct advantage in the internship and job search market, especially when applying for positions at the National Weather Service (NWS), because they graduate already having experience with the weather forecasting and analysis package currently in use at the NWS. 

Atmospheric Sciences majors are routinely selected for national internships, research programs and scholarships. In the past three years, our students have won the competitive and prestigious Hollings Scholarship. This scholarship guarantees students an internship with the National Weather Service and an $8,000 annual award for two academic years.

Request more information about this major

Academic Advisors

Schedule an Appointment

(614) 292-6961
Call for the following:
• Exploring and/or declaring a major
• Degree Planning/Progress Checks
• Scheduling
• Applying to graduate
• Preparing for graduate or professional school
• Petitions
• Other academic advising matters

Ali Grandey

grandey.4@osu.edu
(614) 292-6961
1049B Derby Hall

Jocelyn Nevel

nevel.6@osu.edu
(614) 292-6961
1049A Derby Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate with a BS in Atmospheric Sciences degree are prepared for careers in operational meteorology, broadcast meteorology and meteorology positions in both the public and private sectors. Recent graduates have found employment with the National Weather Service, the Storm Prediction Center, ABC 6 News in Columbus, OH, the Weather Channel, Executive Jet Management, Twisted Citrus, Phelan Insurance and the U.S. Navy. 

In the field

SPOTLIGHT ON FIELD WORK

Mary Grace Thibault, a fourth-year student majoring in atmospheric sciences and anthropology, is a member of the Ohio State Meteorology Club and a weather spotter, having recently renewed her training with the National Weather Service SKYWARN program.

Why Ohio State’s Atmospheric Sciences Program?

“I am fascinated with how weather and climate impact people. I did a lot of research into the program,” said Thibault. “I looked up the curriculum and discovered how comprehensive it was and visited the Department of Geography to learn more about it. What I learned was that Ohio State’s program offered an excellent introduction to the field of meteorology and climate.”

Last summer Thibault participated in the Penn State REU in Climate Science and was assigned to a field work project in Key Largo, Florida, headed by Florida International University and the South Florida Water Management District. The 10-week project allowed Thibault the opportunity to observe first-hand the effects of sea level rise on the Everglades with a special focus on peat collapse and carbon sequestration.

What was your field work in Florida like?

“It was a tremendous experience and what interested me in particular were the different types of instrumentation. That fall, as part of the atmospheric sciences curriculum, I took a course on microclimatological instrumentation, which reinforced my interest.”

Thibault is currently volunteering with the National Weather Service (NWS), Pittsburgh office, learning more about forecasting, the NWS Upper-air Observations program and NWS public outreach.

Ohio State’s Atmospheric Sciences Program is really amazing! Both the professors and advisors work really hard to help you not just learn, but to use what you have learned.” -Mary Grace Thibault

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The atmosphere affects people in a number of ways. Blizzards snarl transportation and affect utilities. Floods threaten life and infrastructure. Droughts reduce agricultural production, and heat waves cause the demand for electricity to spike. In addition, climate change may alter the severity and location of all these events.

Atmospheric Sciences Program More Atmospheric Sciences Courses

The atmospheric sciences major is tailored specifically to fit the needs of students who want to pursue careers in meteorology. It is organized to provide students a foundation of knowledge and skills so they are well positioned to pursue further education or a career after graduation.

courses you might take:

ATMOSSC 2940: Basic Meteorology

Introduction to the underlying physics of the atmosphere; basic equations of thermodynamics, radiation, and dynamics are presented and used to explain selected atmospheric phenomena.

GEOG 3900: Global Climate Change: Causes and Consequences

Examines the natural and human factors that force changes in our climate and environment and explores strategies for a sustainable environment in the future.

ATMOSSC 5901: Climate System Modeling: Basics and Applications

An examination of climate system modeling, including their component atmospheric, oceanic, sea ice and land surface models, and their coupling, and their applications.

GEOG 5942: Synoptic Meteorology: Severe Storm Forecasting

The theory and practice of weather forecasting. The theory and application of radar and satellite imagery in weather forecasting; emphasis on severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes; analysis of their evolution and structure.

ATMOSSC 5951: Dynamic Meteorology I

Fundamental problems in dynamic meteorology; components of the equations of atmospheric motion are derived, and vorticity and divergence in the development of meteorological systems.

Beyond the Classroom

BPCRC

Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center (BPCRC) is an internationally recognized leader in polar, climate and alpine research. There are 10 research groups along with a collection of some of the rarest glacier ice cores on Earth, an archive of historical documents concerning the polar regions, and a polar rock repository. BPCRC provides work-study and research opportunities for undergraduate students interested in paleoclimatology, glaciology, meteorology, remote sensing, ocean dynamics and geological sciences.

Learn More

Meteorology Club

The OSU Meteorology Club is an undergraduate student organization for students interested in meteorology, atmospheric sciences and geography. The club hosts the Annual Severe Weather Symposium that attracts professional and amateur meteorologists and meteorology students from across the country each year. The Meteorology Club also serves as a professional networking opportunity for students searching for internships and full-time careers in meteorology.

Learn More

Twister

Twister is Ohio State’s real time weather data source. Atmospheric Sciences majors with a background or interest in computer technology and programming can assist with the maintenance of OSU’s own data collection and weather modeling tool, Twister.

Learn More

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Future Students: Learn More

Schedule A Campus Visit

Take a Virtual Campus Tour

Continue Exploring

Top