2025-2026 General Catalog
Source: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/land-air-water-resources/atmospheric-science-bs/ Parent: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext
Atmospheric science is the study of the air that surrounds the planet. It includes all weather phenomena and climate including global and regional climate change, the chemistry of trace constituents and cloud and particle formation, interactions between ecosystems and the atmosphere, as well as quantitative studies of climate extremes and severe weather, including droughts, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The study of the impacts of human and other biotic activity on the quality of the air we breathe are important topics in the major.
The Program
Modern atmospheric science is a quantitative science that is reflected in the major's curriculum. In addition to the study of daily weather events, the program deals with fundamental dynamical and physical processes that involve the general circulation of the atmosphere; turbulent mass and energy transfer at the planetary surface as well as within the free atmosphere; the transfer of solar and terrestrial radiation throughout the atmosphere; atmospheric interaction with the biosphere; climate variations; and developments in remote sensing using satellites with modern meteorological instrumentation. In addition, the program has significant expertise in the areas of air quality and its related atmospheric chemistry. As well as providing a broad background in meteorology, the major includes an informal minor area to be chosen from mathematics, computer science, environmental studies, resource management or a physical or biological science. For more information, see Atmospheric Science.
Note.Alternative options for students who are interested in atmospheric science are to minor in ATM, to major in ESM and choose the climate change and air quality track, or to major in applied physics with a concentration in atmospheric physics. However, the ATM minor, the ESM climate change and air quality track, and the applied physics major do not meet the Federal civil service requirements for meteorologists.
Internships & Career Opportunities
Atmospheric science students have participated in internships with the California Air Resources Board, various county Air Pollution Control Districts, the National Weather Service, and performing research. Job opportunities include: national weather services, weather forecasting for broadcast media or private forecasting firms, environmental consulting firms (such as environmental impact reports, wind farm siting), government agencies at all levels from local (air quality districts, planning departments, etc.) to state (Air Resources Board) to national (NOAA), and companies whose operations are impacted by weather (such as airlines, futures markets). About half of our graduates continue their education by seeking an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in atmospheric science or related areas.
Lead Faculty Advisor
Kyaw Tha Paw U
Atmospheric Science Major Advisor
Advising Center for the major, is located in 1150 Plant & Environmental Sciences Building in Land, Air & Water Resources Teaching Center; 530-752-1603.
Graduate Study
You can specialize in particular areas of atmospheric science through graduate study and research leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. For details, see Atmospheric Science (Graduate Group) & Graduate Studies.
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