To master the science of weather, we need to gain an understanding of physical sciences and how they apply to the atmosphere. The curriculum at the University of North Dakota provides students with a strong background in the basic physical sciences including physics, chemistry and applied mathematics. These are prerequisites for rigorous study of atmospheric processes. Students also have the opportunity for hands-on experience in computer methods and access to both traditional and new technologies for atmospheric data processing and analysis.

UND Program Features

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences takes pride in promoting experiential (or "hands-on") learning opportunities for undergraduate students. The department has state of the art research facilities that include a dual-polarization Doppler radar, a highly instrumented atmospheric and hydrologic ground research facility, and a surface transportation field research site. Students frequently work with faculty on current research projects. We have also been very successful at promoting internship opportunities for students. The proximity of a National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office allows students to gain experience in operational meteorology.

Bachelor of Science

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers a comprehensive education leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The degree is awarded in the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. A minimum of a 2.50 GPA is required for admittance into the program and for graduation. To earn a BS degree students must take at least 125 credit hours. At least 43 of these hours must be taken in the department of Atmospheric Sciences. Please see the program of study.

Undergraduate Minor

For a minor in Atmospheric Sciences students must complete twenty (20) hours in the department including AtSc 110 (Meteorology I), AtSc 210 (Meteorology II), AtSc 310 (Introduction to Weather Forecasting) and nine (9) other credits of Atmospheric Sciences electives.