This degree is designed to meet the recommendations of the American Meteorological Society for a bachelor’s degree in meteorology/atmospheric science. There are four options, each of which meet these recommendations.
Atmospheric Science
This major is for students who want a broad background in atmospheric science. It is also the most suitable option for those who are aiming at a career in weather forecasting. It includes a third semester of synoptic meteorology as well as an air pollution course.
Air Pollution Concentration
Students prepare for a career emphasizing environmental aspects of meteorology. This option includes an additional semester of chemistry as well as environmental studies.
Hydrometeorology Concentration
Students prepare for a career involving the interface between meteorology and hydrology. These studies have important applications to flash floods, droughts and water supply. This option includes additional courses on fluid flow and hydrology from the School of Engineering.
News Media Concentration
This option is for students who wish to enter careers whose main function is to provide information to the general public. It requires additional courses from the School of Journalism.
Advising
Students majoring in atmospheric science are encouraged to consult their academic advisor as soon as possible about the selection of courses and to create an academic plan. It is strongly recommended that students consult with an advisor on a regular basis to make certain that, at each stage in their program, they are meeting all of the requirements for the degree. Faculty advisors are also available to discuss career planning.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Atmospheric Science
Concentrations
Students can choose one of the concentrations listed below or take the following General Meteorology courses. All options satisfy the federal requirements for employment as a meteorologist and will also prepare students to begin graduate programs in meteorology or atmospheric science.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ATMO 525 | Air Pollution Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMO 605 | Operational Forecasting | 2 |
| ATMO 650 | Advanced Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 8 |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses (above), majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior (300+) Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ATMO 525 | Air Pollution Meteorology | 3 |
| CHEM 135 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
or CHEM 195
& CHEM 196 | Foundations of Chemistry II, Honors
and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory, Honors |
| CE 477 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science | 3 |
| Total Hours | 11 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ATMO 525 | Air Pollution Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMO 605 | Operational Forecasting | 2 |
| CE 260 | Statics and Dynamics | 5 |
| CE 330 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| CE 455 | Hydrology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ATMO 605 | Operational Forecasting | 2 |
| ATMO 650 | Advanced Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| JMC 302 | Information Exploration | 3 |
| JMC 304 | Media Writing for Audiences | 3 |
| JMC 415 | Multimedia Reporting | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
Sample 4-year plans for the Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science can be found below or by using the left-side navigation.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of the fundamental principles governing the atmosphere and apply diagnostic, prognostic, and technological tools to evaluate atmospheric processes across spatial and temporal scales.
- Work with observations or model data by applying mathematical and statistical techniques through scientific programming or meteorological software packages.
- Effectively communicate scientific information related to weather and climate in oral and written form at an appropriate level for their audience.
- Create, synthesize, or apply knowledge within the atmospheric sciences or between the atmospheric sciences and other disciplines throughout the degree program culminating in a capstone experience.
Departmental Honors in Atmospheric Science
To be accepted as a candidate for honors, an undergraduate major must have completed at least 9 hours of upper-division credit in atmospheric science with a grade-point average of 3.5 in all atmospheric science courses. In addition, the program requires ATMO 499, an independent study course consisting of the creation of an honors paper. The student presents the results of this paper in an oral examination to a committee of a minimum of 2 faculty members, normally from the geography department, and chaired by the ATMO 499 supervisor. To graduate with honors, the student must complete the paper and the examination and maintain the 3.5 grade-point average.
