Geography (Meteorology-Climatology), BS
Do you know, from a technical perspective, why storms, monsoons and haboobs build on the horizon? When you better understand the atmosphere, you gain skills for an impactful career as a meteorologist or climatologist.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The meteorology-climatology concentration under the Bachelor of Science program in geography enables you to meet the requirements for certification as a meteorologist by the National Weather Service. It covers dynamic as well as synoptic meteorology.
You gain a focused understanding of weather, climate and the various related methods of measurement and instrumentation. Required courses include atmospheric physics, operational weather forecasting, three semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| GIS 205 Geographic Information Science I |
| GPH 111 Introduction to Physical Geography |
| GPH 112 Introduction to Physical Geography Lab |
| GCU 102 Introduction to Human Geography |
| GIS 270 Statistics for Geography and Planning |
| GCU 496 Geographic Research Methods |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Construct a scholarly literature review (single outcome) on a contemporary geographical research problem in their capstone course.
- Solve specific radiative energy balance problems in the final exam for GPH 412 (Physical Meteorology).
- Apply knowledge of climate change theories to specific theoretical world constructs.
Construct a scholarly literature review (single outcome) on a contemporary geographical research problem in their capstone course.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Transfer admission requirements:
Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 from a transfer institution.
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. With access to more than 300 Global Education programs available around the world, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets and gain hands-on experience in diverse cultures and traditions. Students' resumes are enhanced with the heightened cultural competence and improved communication and critical thinking skills acquired through study abroad.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | 1.7% | $148,080 | Learn more |
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Compliance Inspector | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician) | 5.1% | $116,580 | Learn more |
| Hydrologist | 1.5% | $96,600 | Learn more |
| Meteorologist | 2.6% | $99,070 | Learn more |
| News Reporter | -5.9% | $62,200 | Learn more |
| Wind Energy Operations Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Program graduates have found employment with:
- airlines
- energy power companies
- government agencies
- military (meteorology and pilot training)
- National Weather Service
This program also provides suitable preparation for graduate study in either meteorology or climatology.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
|
COOR 5681
SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
480-965-7533
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
