Atmospheric 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

93% employed or continuing education

8% employed after graduation

85% attending graduate school

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: AccuWeather for Business, Argonne National Laboratory View All

Sample grad school destinations: Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Columbia University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Governors State University View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
4 years of science
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

95% returned for second year

76% graduated within 4 years

87% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Chemistry - LAS

Civil Engineering - ENG

Mathematics - LAS

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.