Atmospheric Sciences

Nolan Atkins, Professor
Bruce Berryman, Professor
Jason Shafer, Assistant Professor
Mark Tucker, ATM Systems Administrator

B.S. Atmospheric Sciences
- American Meteorological Society/Graduate School Concentration
- Broadcasting Concentration
- Climate Change Concentration
- Computer Science Concentration
- Environmental Sciences Concentration
- National Weather Service/Military Concentration
- Private Industry Concentration

Atmospheric Sciences Concentrations in Liberal Studies (see Liberal Studies)
Atmospheric Science Concentration in Computer Information Systems (see Mathematics/Computer Science)
Atmospheric Sciences Concentration in Applied Mathematics (see Mathematics/Computer Science)
Certificate in Post-Baccalaureate Study
Minor: Atmospheric Sciences
Pre-Atmospheric Sciences Program

Mission Statement

Atmospheric Sciences Department graduates have an understanding of the atmosphere that enables them to make a positive contribution to their profession and to society. Because students may select from different career tracks, this contribution could range from creating accurate weather forecasts, to communicating those efforts to clients or the public, to further advancing our understanding of the atmosphere through research endeavors. Regardless of their concentration, however, students are required to complete a core of study that gives them an essential foundation for understanding weather events.

Program Goals

To this end, the Atmospheric Sciences Department has adopted the following program goals:

To provide students with the necessary education and training to be successful and competitive in their chosen career concentration.
To maintain a current and rigorous curriculum.
To provide students with a broad-based understanding of atmospheric science fundamentals.
To provide students with several career tracks that allow them to develop specialized skills.
To provide students with an environment that encourages experiential learning:

Data analysis and interpretation in a laboratory setting
Internships
Field trips and participation in field programs
Research experiences

To provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
To expose students to professionals and meteorological events beyond the campus environment.

Program Assessment

To ensure that the Atmospheric Sciences Department is successful in reaching the program goals, the following assessment strategies are routinely utilized:

Frequent review of national guidelines
Monitoring of employment trends and opportunities
Collecting information on current trends in atmospheric sciences by attending professional meetings, serving of professional committees and informal discussion with colleagues
Surveys of recent graduates, seniors, first year students, internship mentors, and employees
Monitoring accomplishments of graduates

Certificate of Post-Baccalaureate Study in Atmospheric Sciences

This certificate documents educational achievement in atmospheric sciences beyond that associated with a BS degree. This program is for those who wish to:

gain an advantage in today’s competitive job market,
bolster their preparation for admission to graduate school,
re-train for job placement or career change.

In general, the program requires twenty-four credits beyond those required for a BS degree, including an internship experience, a minimum of 18 credits taken at LSC, and grades above a C. Specifically, the twenty-four credits must:

                    • be 3000-6000 level courses,
                    • have ATM, MAT, PHY, CHE, CIS, ENV, GIS, BUS, and TVS
                             designators,
                    • include 3-6 credits of ATM 4820 (Co-op),
                    • exclude courses explicitly required for the BS Atmospheric Sciences major,
                    • be approved by the student’s advisor and the department faculty