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.

Meteorology-intern-Kristina-Oakland

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 3.0 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

Victoria is showing us the precipitation
Victoria Wisniewski '23
Meteorology & Atmospheric Science

As an aspiring broadcast meteorologist, Victoria Wisniewski was attracted to UML due to its bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, successful alumni and research opportunities.

So many opportunities have come my way, and I couldn’t be happier.
Read More About Victoria Wisniewski 
Lena Dziechowski on the TV set
Lena Dziechowski '19, '20
Atmospheric Science – Meteorology

Just a couple of months after graduating with a master’s degree in atmospheric science, Lena Dziechowski landed a breakthrough job as a television meteorologist.

That real-world experience, being able to apply what you learned, and the variety of my experiences all helped me stand out.
Read More About Lena Dziechowski 
Eric Roy in a field with a beautiful sky behind him
Eric Roy '22
Meteorology and Mathematics

Eric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.

I can’t say enough good things about UML and how they’ve helped me.
Read More About Eric Roy 
Laurie Agel speaks at a podium
Laurie Agel '18
Marine Sciences & Technology

Software engineer Laurie Agel was looking for a career change in her 40s. Fifteen years later, she has her Ph.D. in marine sciences and technology from UML and is working as a post-doctoral research assistant, studying extreme precipitation and flooding in the Charles and Mystic river basins.

I’ve seen many, many people like me – people doing a second career and coming in from another field. And there’s just so much excitement at UMass Lowell. I don’t really feel like a fish out of water.
Read More About Laurie Agel 
Erin McGuire sits on a mountaintop
Erin McGuire '21
Geoscience

Erin McGuire has been able to ease into her new job as staff geologist at Nobis Group in Concord, N.H., while putting the finishing touches on her bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a geoscience option.

I’m excited to have the outdoors as my office. I really love being outside.
Read More About Erin McGuire