Courses of Study 2023-2024 
    
    May 20, 2024  
Courses of Study 2023-2024

Atmospheric Science Major


In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences .


Course Offerings  

Atmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that shape weather and climate. The curriculum emphasizes the scientific study of the behavior of weather and climate, and applications to the important practical problems of weather forecasting and climate prediction. Students develop a fundamental understanding of atmospheric processes and acquire skill and experience in the analysis, interpretation, and forecasting of meteorological events. All students are required to complete a minimum of four semesters of calculus, two semesters of calculus-based physics, and a semester each of chemistry, computer science, and statistics.

As a result of completing the Atmospheric Science major, students will be able to:

1. Function successfully in laboratory and field settings.

2. Apply the scientific method using real-world data.

3. Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge to analyze and solve problems in Atmospheric Science.

4. Collect, organize, analyze and interpret quantitative information, using mathematical and/or statistical tools and computer applications.

5. Conduct literature reviews to obtain information.

6. Synthesize a cogent argument in language appropriate to the field of study.

Additional Program Information:

  • Atmospheric science courses are offered through the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS).
  • All coursework for this major is in person, in Ithaca, unless otherwise noted.
  • First-year and transfer students are admitted directly into the major and most prerequisities will be met by virtue of the requirements for admission.
  • Students seeking to transfer internally to the Atmospheric Science major should contact Sierra Henry (slh297@cornell.edu) for more information. 
  • The requirements for the B.S. in atmospheric science through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are below.
  • Courses satisfying the requirements for a major or minor in atmospheric science may not be taken S-U.

Faculty


G. A. Abers, chair; W. D. Allmon, T. R. Ault, G. Barcheck, L. D. Brown, R. Culbgerg, A. T. DeGaetano, L. A. Derry, N. Fernandez, P. M. Fulton, E. Gazel, P. G. Hess, P. Hitchcock, K. Olson Hoal, M. Holycross, D. L. Hysell, K. M. Keranen, F. Lehner, R. B. Lohman, N. M. Mahowald, B.C. Monger, A. Pendergrass, M. E. Pritchard, S. C. Pryor, S. J. Riha, B. Schmidt, M. W. Wysocki

1. Atmospheric science:


b. Plus at least two other atmospheric courses


See suggested electives listed below for additional courses

2. Mathematics, statistics, and computer science:


3. Basic physical sciences:


4. Suggested Electives:


# required for Federal Civil Service

Undergraduate Minor