Atmospheric Science B.S.

Earth and atmospheric scientists are curious and passionate about the Earth. They are stewards of the Earth’s resources from soils to oceans, atmosphere, and land.

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is home to a close-knit group of faculty, staff, and students who are continuously engaged with one another in the study of their discipline. Full time faculty teach all courses in the department. Small class sizes have led many students to describe the department as a "small college environment in a large research university."

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers three degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Earth Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (B.A.), and the Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science (B.S.). The three degrees begin with similar coursework, so it is easy to change your path as your interests develop.

Atmospheric Science is the study of meteorology and climate.

Meteorology is the focused study of short-term changes in the weather within the stratosphere and troposphere.
Climate science concentrates on longer periods of time, from one month to millions of years. Its object is to describe the interaction of the atmosphere with the surface of the earth: oceans, lakes, land, and glaciers.

The Atmospheric Science B.S. major requires study in earth and atmospheric processes as well as calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and advanced work in the life and physical sciences.

A degree in Atmospheric Sciences will position you to address such pressing issues as renewable energy and natural resources, environmental pollution, global climate change (especially warming), severe weather and its consequences, and natural hazard assessment and preparedness (earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, for example).

Coursework

Getting started

Atmospheric Science majors begin with the following courses:

One of the following courses:
- EAS 100-level course (see major requirements in your Academic Bulletin)
An Earth Science elective (see major requirements in your Academic Bulletin)
CHEM-C 117 and C 127
MATH-M 211 and M 212

For success, it is important to not take too many math/science classes your first two semesters. Please consult with your academic advisor about how to balance your schedule.

Tracks and concentrations

Students majoring in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences have three degree options: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences B.A., Earth Science B.S. and Atmospheric Science B.S. There is also an Atmospheric Sciences Certificate. Your introductory courses will help you decide which path is best for you. Contact the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences academic advisor to discuss these options.

Upper level coursework

Your coursework will continue with 18 hours in upper division courses in atmospheric science. These studies include courses in meteorology, weather analysis and forecasting, instrumentation, dynamic meteorology, synoptic meteorology, air pollution, wind power hydrometeorology, micrometeorology, and climate change. See the Academic Bulletin for more details. You will also complete coursework in physics and additional coursework in outside sciences.

All Atmospheric Sciences students are encouraged to participate in research as part of their undergraduate studies and work with a faculty member on a specific project. Students have the option of taking EAS-X 498 for undergraduate research.

Students with senior standing who are pursuing departmental Honors typically enroll in EAS-E 499 and prepare a written thesis under the supervision of a faculty supervisor.

Commonly pursued majors, minors and certificates

With the help of your academic advisor, you may be able to pursue other areas of interest by completing other majors, minors, or certificates.

Earth and Atmospheric Science students often pursue minors or dual degrees in Anthropology, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Math, or Physics. You may also have interest in completing a minor from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The Department of Geography offers a Certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing.

Check your Bulletin for a comprehensive listing of majors, minors, and certificates.

Enhance your major

Working with faculty

When pursuing an Atmospheric Science degree, you have the opportunity to work with faculty who have expertise and experience in their fields of study. Take advantage of office hours to talk with your instructors about your performance in class, the content of readings and assignments, and how the course helps you work toward your goals.

Atmospheric Science is a field with a large focus on research. All Atmospheric Science students are encouraged to work with faculty on research during their undergraduate career.

You can get involved in research as early as your freshman year. Many incoming freshmen apply to the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) program. ASURE students experience project-based learning enhanced by a community of supportive faculty and peers. Choose an ASURE path in the arts and humanities, social and historical studies, or natural and mathematical sciences. Consider joining one that will deepen your skills and knowledge in an area related to your major or a different one to become a more well-rounded thinker.

As you develop more specific interests you will have the opportunity to work with a faulty member doing independent reading. EAS-X 399 Readings for Honors is a popular choice for majors. This course provides time for intensive study of a topic of your choice. Talk with your academic advisor or your instructors about this option.

You could also choose to work part-time with a member of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences faculty or a faculty member from another department on a research project, either as an hourly worker or for academic credit (EAS-X 498 or EAS-E 499).

Teaching opportunities for undergraduates are available through EAS-X 371 Teaching Internship in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

Honors

The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Departmental Honors Program recognizes outstanding students for their coursework and participation in research.

Recognition of departmental honors requires working on an independent research project, typically carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. This work culminates before the end of the senior year with the writing of an honors thesis. You will also be examined orally through a presentation describing your work to a committee of three faculty members.

In addition to fulfilling the requirements associated with the degree, students in the honors program have the opportunity to take special readings courses and enroll in honors sections of regular undergraduate courses.

To graduate with honors, you must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.300. Interested students should consult the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences departmental honors advisor for details no later than first semester of your junior year.

High achieving students may be recognized for Academic Excellence in the College of Arts and Sciences, or be eligible for admission to the Hutton Honors College.

Undergraduate scholarships and awards

Students studying in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department may be interested in pursuing one or more of the scholarships and awards that are offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Internships

Internships offer you a chance to develop both technical and transferable skills while making vital professional contacts with others in the field. Many students begin exploring internship opportunities, including overseas study programs with internships, as early as their freshman year.

Learn more about internships, including the possibility of receiving credit, through The Walter Center for Career Achievement, where you’ll find many resources for both domestic and international internships.

If you secure your own internship and would like to earn credit for it, you should consider applying for ASCS-X 373 through the Walter Center for Career Achievement .

Foreign language study

As one of the premier institutions in the U.S. for the study of languages, IU Bloomington offers courses and resources in over 80 languages.

The Atmospheric Science B.S. degree requires third semester proficiency in a foreign language. Below is a sampling of language study resources available to students at IU Bloomington.

Overseas study

The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department offers Field Geology and Paleoanthropology in Tanzania (EAS-X 377) during the summer. It is a six-week study abroad opportunity at the world's most famous archaeological site.

Study abroad is an important part of undergraduate education in our increasingly interconnected world. Earth and Atmospheric Science students often pursue language study and other coursework through the following exchange programs:

The College of Arts and Sciences also directly hosts a variety of study abroad programs, some even featuring IU faculty, that might be right for you. Learn more about study abroad opportunities and locations through conversation with the Earth and Atmospheric faculty, your academic advisor, and through the Office of Overseas Study.

Student groups

You may also want to get involved with the Sigma Gamma Epsilon student group. This group works on events and networking within the earth and atmospheric sciences field and is open to both undergraduates and graduate students.

If you are interested in promoting awareness of economic geology and its impact on society to the student population at IUB, the Society of Economic Geologists student chapter may interest you.

Other earth and atmospheric sciences groups you could become involved in at IU include:

American Association of Petroleum Geology
Atmospheric Sciences Club
Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Origin of Life reading group
Geology Club
IU Geophysical Society

Explore beINvolved to connect with any of the 750+ student organizations that already exist, or to start a new one.

Residential Programs and Services at IU offers a variety of learning communities, which allow students to select to live among peers with a common interest. Some of the following learning communities may be of interest to Atmospheric Science students:

For a complete list of Living Learning Communities, Academic Communities, and Thematic Communities, visit the Residential Programs and Services website.

Volunteer opportunities

There are numerous opportunities for volunteer engagement, allowing you to give back to the local community while developing useful job skills. The organizations below can help you connect with others from the university and beyond:

Sign up to receive weekly emails from the Bloomington Volunteer Network to learn about local opportunities and organizations.

Professional organizations

The following are some of the different professional organizations for atmospheric scientists.

Use the Indiana University Library system to search for Associations Unlimited, an online directory of associations, professional societies, non-profit organizations, and much more.

Build your skills

Through the major

The major Atmospheric Sciences B.S. provides you with a set of skills and qualities that are relevant and transferable to many areas of study and work. These include:

Expertise in all traditional subfields of Atmospheric Science
Ability to decipher complex interrelationships in the natural world
Experience with complex equipment and precise measurements
Field observation and laboratory skills
Integrative thinking and analysis
Mathematical reasoning and modeling
Problem solving
Written and oral communication skills

Through a College of Arts and Sciences degree

Your coursework provides many opportunities to develop the following five foundational skills that will serve you well in every career path:

Question critically
Think logically
Communicate clearly
Act creatively
Live ethically

These foundational skills will aid you in landing your first job and advancing professionally throughout your working life. Not only are these the skills that employers say they value most in the workplace, they provide the best preparation for lifelong success in a world of complexity, uncertainty, and change.

Skills desired by employers

Each year, the National Association of Colleges and Employers asks employers what key skills and qualities they are looking for in recent college graduates.

The following are some of the most commonly desired attributes across many employment sectors:

As you explore various career fields, pay attention to specific job descriptions and requirements. If there are areas where your skills or knowledge are lacking, talk with your academic advisor and career coach about how you can develop in those areas while you are at Indiana University.

Your academic advisor and career coach can also help you find ways to strengthen and deepen the knowledge you already have, becoming more prepared for whatever path you select after College.

Launch your career

Plan your search

A good starting point for exploring your career options is an appointment with your career coach.

The Walter Center for Career Achievement offers job search resources, career courses, job fairs, information about internships and full-time jobs, and help with social media networking through professional organizations. Get advice about how to write your resume, ask for letters of recommendation from faculty and workplace supervisors, and prepare for job interviews, too.

Explore and enroll in Career Communities to learn more about industries relevant to your interests. These offer unique information about each field, including alumni spotlights, opportunities and resources, and in-person events.

Maximize your career preparation with a career course. Atmospheric Science majors should consider enrolling in ASCS-Q296 College to Career II: Navigate Your Arts and Sciences Experience. The section dedicated to Natural and Mathematical Sciences provides the opportunity for you to explore the relationship between your field of study and life after graduation, while developing an academic and career development plan for post-collegiate success. If you are considering continuing your studies after graduation, you may wish to enroll instead in the section dedicated to graduate school preparation. Regardless of the section you select, you will leave the class with your resume, a cover letter or personal statement, and a LinkedIn profile ready to go!

The job market

As global issues related to energy and mineral resources, environmental pollution, climate change, and natural hazards grow in importance, so does the importance of a degree in the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences department.

Students with the Atmospheric Science B.S. degree take their knowledge into many career fields. They are well prepared to work in the energy and environmental industries, research, education, federal and state government agencies, policy think tanks, and non-profit organizations.

Initial and long-term destinations for graduates include positions in many job sectors: researchers, petroleum engineers, environmental specialists, atmospheric scientists, hydrologic field technicians, logging geoscientists, field geologists, policy advisors, or educators.

Talk with Earth and Atmospheric Sciences faculty, the academic advisor, career coach and other students to gain insights into the career paths taken by graduates with this degree.

Want to see where your fellow majors go right after graduating from IU? Check out the Walter Center’s First Destinations survey!

Need more ideas? The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers career information about hundreds of occupations.

Post-graduate short-term experiences

The beginning of your post-graduate career might be an ideal time to explore internships and other short-term experiences through organizations such as these:

Using these and other resources, your career coach can help you craft a unique post-graduate short-term experience, whether in the United States or abroad.

Fellowships for post-graduate study

Fellowships are temporary opportunities to conduct research, work in a field, or fund your education. Post opportunities can be found through universities, non-profits, and government organizations.

Good resources for finding fellowship opportunities in the physical sciences include:

Graduate and professional study

When applying to graduate or professional schools, you’ll need letters of recommendation from faculty members who are familiar with your work. Make a practice of attending office hours early in your academic career, to get to know your professors and discuss your options for advanced study in the field.

Students who pursue graduate studies in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences typically go into high-level energy or environmental industry positions or academic institutions that emphasize teaching, research, or both.

With careful planning, and in consultation with the Health Professions and Prelaw Center, you could also prepare to enter law school, medical school, or other professional programs.

An Atmospheric Science B.S. degree will prepare you for entry into graduate programs in all areas of Earth and Atmospheric Science and Environmental Science. Atmospheric Science B.S. graduates have pursued graduate degrees in geology, geophysics, forest ecology, geobiology, atmospheric sciences, geological engineering, and hydrology, among other fields.

Here are examples of graduate programs offered at IU:

Alumni connections

The IU College of Arts + Sciences has thousands of active alumni. Check out the College Luminaries program, which connects students with the College's most influential, successful, and inspiring alumni.

Join the Walter Center Success Network to remain in touch, network directly with College of Arts +Sciences Alumni, and let others know where your path takes you.

Is it for you?

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences' Atmospheric Sciences B.S. attracts students from a variety of backgrounds and interests. They typically have some of the following qualities:

Curiosity about the Earth and the way things work
Excitement for science
Drive to help solve environmental problems
Love for working outdoors
Fascination with weather events
Passion for finding new energy resources

If you are interested in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences but also want to pursue interests in other areas, such as medicine, business, law, or education, the B.A. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences may be a better choice for you.

Learn more

Contact the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences academic advisor and schedule an appointment to explore your options. Complete information about the requirements of the major can be found in the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

Department website: http://earth.indiana.edu/

Advisor email address: easadv@iu.edu

Department website: https://earth.indiana.edu/
Advisor email address: easadv@iu.edu