Atmospheric Sciences, Certificate
Add real weather and climate expertise to your major through coursework in physical meteorology, instruments and measurement and climate change. Complete a rigorous 19-credit atmospheric sciences certificate linked to National Weather Service meteorologist qualification areas.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Atmospheric Sciences undergraduate certificate description
In the atmospheric sciences certificate program, you gain an in-depth understanding of weather and climate, including learning methods and equipment used to measure the atmosphere. The coursework gives you the knowledge and skill set necessary to apply basic weather and climate information in your specific major.
The certificate program's courses are linked to National Weather Service meteorologist certification requirements. By completing the atmospheric sciences certificate and the Bachelor of Science program in geography with a concentration in meteorology-climatology, you gain the geographic information systems expertise and the meteorological instrumentation skills necessary for work and certification with the National Weather Service.
Why earn an atmospheric sciences undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Based in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, this certificate links atmospheric science with geographic information science, environmental change and spatial analysis.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 19 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate requires 19 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy certificate requirements. |
||
|
GPH 213 Climate and Weather
(SCIT)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GPH 215 Climate and Weather Laboratory
(SCIT)
1 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 1 |
|
GPH 412 Physical Meteorology
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GPH 413 Meteorological Instruments and Measurement
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GPH 414 Climate Change
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
MAT 275 Modern Differential Equations
(MATH)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
GIS 311 Geographic Information Science III
(QTRS)
or
GIS 341 Cartography and Georepresentation
(QTRS)
or
GIS 351 Air Photo Interpretation
or
GPH 314 Global Change
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply analytical skills to compute specific variables associated with the fundamental atmospheric energy balance relationship.
- Apply knowledge of climate change theories and reconstruction of past climates to specific theoretical world constructs.
Apply analytical skills to compute specific variables associated with the fundamental atmospheric energy balance relationship. Enrollment requirements
Applicants must have completed GPH 111 Introduction to Physical Geography, MAT 271 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II, and PHY 121 University Physics I: Mechanics with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A").
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this atmospheric sciences undergraduate certificate prepares you for
A certificate in atmospheric sciences is a valuable addition to a degree for graduates seeking a career in which understanding weather systems is beneficial, including fields related to sustainability and resource management.
Graduates who have earned both the certificate in atmospheric sciences and the BS degree in geography with a concentration in meteorology-climatology are prepared for careers as meteorologists, such as broadcast meteorologists with the National Weather Service. They are also prepared to pursue an advanced degree.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
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.
