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B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences Degree Requirements

Students in Atmospheric Science study the behavior of weather and climate while gaining experience in the analysis, interpretation and forecasting of meteorological events.

Note: This page provides a general overview. For complete and accurate information consult with your advisor. For current course offerings and information, refer to the Cornell University Registrar: Courses of Study. This major is only offered to students in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Eligibility and Academic Standards

Eligibility

We seek students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement. Admissions requirements include:

This major is only offered to students in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

An additional unit of science is strongly recommended

4 Units of English

4 Units of Mathematics (including calculus, BC calculus recommended)

3 Units of Science (including biology, chemistry, and physics)

Core Courses

  • EAS 3050

    Climate Dynamics

  • EAS 3410

    Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics

  • EAS 3420

    Atmospheric Dynamics

  • EAS 3520

    Synoptic Meteorology I

  • EAS 4470

    Physical Meteorology

  • EAS 4510

    Synoptic Meteorology II

Plus at Least Two Other Atmospheric Courses

See suggested electives listed below for additional courses

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science

a.

  • MATH 1110

    Calculus I

  • MATH 1120

    Calculus II

  • MATH 1920

    Multivariable Calculus for Engineers or MATH 2130 Calculus III

  • MATH 2930

    Differential Equations for Engineers

b.

  • AEM 2100

    Introductory Statistics or equivalent

c.

  • EAS 2900

    Computer Programming and Meteorology Software or equivalent

Basic Physical Sciences

a.

  • PHYS 2207

    Fundamentals of Physics I or equivalent

  • PHYS 2208

    Fundamentals of Physics II or equivalent

b.

  • CHEM 1560

    Introduction to General Chemistry or equivalent

Suggested Electives

Courses marked * are required for Federal Civil Service

Operational Suggested

  • EAS 1310

    Basic Principles of Meteorology

  • EAS 1330

    Basic Meteorology Lab

  • EAS 1340

    Introductory Weather Analysis and Forecasting

  • EAS 2500

    Meteorological Observations and Instruments*

  • EAS 2680

    Climate and Global Warming

  • EAS 4350

    Statistical Methods in Meteorology and Climatology

  • EAS 4700

    Advanced Weather Forecasting and Analysis

  • EAS 4860

    Tropical Meteorology and Climate

Broadcasting Suggested

  • EAS 1310

    Basic Principles of Meteorology

  • EAS 1330

    Basic Meteorology Lab

  • EAS 1340

    Introductory Weather Analysis and Forecasting

  • EAS 2500

    Meteorological Observations and Instruments*

  • EAS 2680

    Climate and Global Warming

  • EAS 4700

    Advanced Weather Forecasting and Analysis

  • EAS 4960

    Internship Experience

  • COMM 2010

    Oral Communication

  • Minor in Communication

Business Suggested

  • EAS 1310

    Basic Principles of Meteorology

  • EAS 1330

    Basic Meteorology Lab

  • EAS 2680

    Climate and Global Warming

  • Minor in Applied Economics and Management

Environmental Suggested

  • CHEM 2070

    General Chemistry I

  • CHEM 2080

    General Chemistry II

  • EAS 1310

    Basic Principles of Meteorology

  • EAS 1330

    Basic Meteorology Lab

  • EAS 1340

    Introductory Weather Analysis and Forecasting

  • EAS 2500

    Meteorological Observations and Instruments*

  • EAS 2680

    Climate and Global Warming

  • EAS 3340

    Microclimatology

  • EAS 4350

    Statistical Methods in Meteorology and Climatology

  • EAS 4570

    Atmospheric Air Pollution

  • EAS 4800

    Our Changing Atmosphere: Global Change and Atmospheric Chemistry

  • EAS 4860

    Tropical Meteorology and Climate

Note:

Students who are considering an advanced degree will also be well-prepared for graduate school, and typically add additional mathematics, physics, and atmospheric science courses to the basic curriculum. Students who wish to broaden their studies of the environment may also choose from courses in the separate earth and atmospheric sciences major, which may be completed in conjunction with the atmospheric sciences major.

Learning Outcomes

  • Function successfully in laboratory and field settings, including use of basic equipment and techniques and putting into practice the basic steps of the research process.
  • Apply the scientific method using real-world data, including formulation of hypotheses, the use of varied approaches (experimental and observational) for testing hypotheses and appropriate interpretation of data encountered in class, lab, and the literature.
  • Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge to analyze and solve problems in Atmospheric Science.
  • Collect, organize, analyze and interpret quantitative information meaningfully, using mathematical and/or statistical tools and computer applications as appropriate to the discipline of Atmospheric Science.
  • Conduct literature reviews to obtain information, including accessing all forms of literature to investigate topics, critiquing sources and organizing information in a meaningful way.
  • Synthesize a cogent argument in language appropriate to the field of study, including written and oral communication skills and presentation of results using graphs and equations, when appropriate.
  • Convey atmospheric science concepts, processes, weather forecasts (short to medium range), images and numerical weather model outputs to a diverse audience.