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.
(614) 292-6961
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coscia.4@osu.edu
614-292-6961
1105 Derby Hall
154 N Oval Mall
Columbus, OH, 43210
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.
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.
“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.
“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
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.
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.
(614) 292-1667
186 University Hall
230 North Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6961
100 Denney Hall
164 Annie & John Glenn Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
