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| ©Steven Maciejewski |
Undergraduate
Atmospheric Sciences
What do meteorologists do?
The field of atmospheric science includes a diverse array of topics
and applications, including the study of climate and climate change,
air pollution and the associated environmental impacts, weather
analysis and forecasting, remote sensing, atmospheric physics and
dynamics, and interactions between the atmosphere and other components
of the earth system. The advantage of a combined marine, earth,
and atmospheric science department allows our students to obtain
an integrated education that emphasizes application of scientific
principles to real, cutting-edge problems. The faculty expertise
in atmospheric sciences at NC State emphasizes application of theory
and state-of-the-art technology to environmental problems. Examples
include study of the impacts of air quality on the local environment,
investigation of global climate change, improving flood prediction,
and the operational forecasting of local weather phenomena such
as winter storms, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes.
Opportunities for meteorology majors at NC State
Suppose that a band of strong thunderstorms is approaching the
city of Raleigh, North Carolina ahead of a fast-moving cold front.
Weather forecasters have anticipated the potential for severe weather
in the form of large hail and damaging winds. As storm spotters
and the general public begin to phone in reports of damage, undergraduate
meteorology students from NC State University are working alongside
professional National Weather Service forecasters to construct detailed
analyses of current conditions and to help issue local storm reports.
This hypothetical scenario is a reality at NC State, due to the
presence of a National Weather Service Forecast Office (NWSFO) on
the NCSU campus. This arrangement affords meteorology students with
a unique opportunity to gain exposure to professional meteorology
during the course of their education. This is but one of several
examples of how the facilities and learning environment at NC State
University provide a professional advantage to our students and
faculty.
Careers
Our undergraduate majors qualify students for the full spectrum
of employment opportunities while also preparing them for possible
graduate education. The proximity of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) center in nearby Research Triangle Park, the NC Department
of Air Quality (DAQ), a strong working relation with the local media,
and the presence of the State Climate Office (SCO) and a NWS forecast
office on the NCSU campus provide our students with a broad range
of internship and employment possibilities. Our undergraduate students
pursue careers in air quality, weather forecasting, meteorological
research, broadcast meteorology, and obtain positions with the armed
forces. Excellent scholarship opportunities are provided by the
Air Force ROTC program. Other exciting professional development
opportunities in the NCSU meteorology program include student-led
weather forecasting for WKNC radio, weekly student weathercasts
for the Carolina Week student-run news program, and two active local
chapters of the American Meteorological Society (one student chapter,
and the Central Carolina chapter). A significant fraction of our
strong undergraduates go on to graduate school in the atmospheric
sciences. Advanced degrees are advantageous for those wishing to
pursue research-oriented careers in this field. Graduate students
in our program find employment with the National Weather Service,
at governmental research laboratories, and as faculty at other universities.
Educational
Requirements
A
strong high school foundation in the natural sciences (physics,
chemistry, biology, earth sciences), mathematics (analytic geometry
and calculus), and in communication skills (speaking and writing)
is essential.
Undergraduate Atmospheric Science Degree Programs:
Meteorology
Marine Meteorology
For more detailed information on individual Atmospheric Research groups, see our Atmospheric Research page.
» For information on undergraduate programs, contact:
Maggie Puryear
Undergraduate Advisor
maggie_puryear@ncsu.edu | tel: 919-513-1093 |
