Meteorology & Atmospheric Science Major

As a Meteorology & Atmospheric Science major, you will study meteorology, weather forecasting, climatology and air pollution; the program also fulfills the education requirements for federally employed meteorologists.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

BS

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What courses will you take?

The B.S. in Meteorology & Atmospheric Science provides a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics and interdisciplinary understanding how the earth system works.

Sample courses include Earth Systems, Weather Patterns, and Satellite and Radar Meteorology. Many of our courses provide hands-on experiences through field trips, applied measurements in the field and analyses in analytical laboratories to measure major and trace elements and pollutants. Courses for Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

In addition to forecasting of weather, extreme events and climate, you will learn how to assess climate change impacts and climate variability and study air pollution sources, forecasting and control.

UMass Lowell offers the only atmospheric science/meteorology major at a public university in Massachusetts.

View the Academic Catalog for:

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Why study meteorology and atmospheric science at UMass Lowell?

Professor Frank Colby of the EEAS department pointing to large, interactive weather monitor

Digital Weather Wall

Our Digital Weather Wall allows for real-time forecasting and analyses of weather and climate patterns on a large high-resolution display.

Research Opportunities

Work with UMass Lowell faculty on current research, including:

Global-scale and regional weather and climate modeling
Forecasting of weather and extreme events

UMass Lowell meteorology student Eric Roy in a field with a beautiful sky behind him

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

Three UMass Lowell students take weather readings with equipment

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our Bachelor's-to-Master's program.

Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a degree in meteorology & atmospheric science?

Graduates of the UMass Lowell Meteorology & Atmospheric Science program acquire the tools to work in a wide range of consulting and forecasting careers, or to continue on to graduate school.

Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists are employed by diverse industries, including:

Commercial aviation companies
Federal government
(such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service, and the Department of Defense)
Private consulting firms
State and local governments
Television meteorology

Meet Our Students

Christopher Skinner points at a weather map on a screen with Tyler Harrison looking on

Tyler Harrington

Atmospheric Science

Before starting his Ph.D. in atmospheric science at UMass Lowell, Tyler Harrington interned at the Federal Aviation Administration, where he wrote a report for Congress on how extreme weather events affect air travel.

I knew that this was a person I really wanted to work with.