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Atmospheric Sciences

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Atmospheric Sciences?

Atmospheric Sciences is a major that focuses on the study of Earth’s atmosphere, weather, and climate. Your coursework will also include a firm foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. You’ll learn how to solve complex problems, develop critical and analytical thinking skills, and be ready to apply these skills to the world. Our program adheres to the recommendation of the American Meteorological Society. In other words, we will prepare you with a degree that satisfies applications for employment and graduate programs.

Career Options

  • Forecasting
  • Government Research Science
  • Private Industry
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Higher Education

Post-Graduation Success1

100% employed or continuing education

21% employed after graduation

79% attending graduate school

$52,000 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: AXIS Capital (1), Sensient Technologies (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Pennsylvania State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.1 years to degree

First-Year retention rate: N/A

70% four-year graduation rate

100% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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