University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme provides a balanced mixture of theoretical and practical training in atmospheric science. Core topics include synoptic and mesoscale meteorology, dynamic and physical meteorology, atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics and radiation. Students also study climatology, numerical weather prediction, remote sensing and radar meteorology.

Numerical and data skills are emphasised: courses in atmospheric modelling, scientific programming, data analysis and statistics give students the ability to work with model output and observational datasets. Laboratory and field components—such as instrument calibration, surface and upper-air observations, and radar case studies—are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Typical structure includes general education and foundational maths and physics in early years, core atmospheric courses and technical electives in the middle years, and a senior capstone, research project or internship in the final year. Elective topics commonly available include air quality, climate change science, remote sensing applications, and environmental policy. Opportunities exist to participate in faculty-led research, field campaigns and collaborative projects with regional observing networks.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma with a strong record in mathematics and the physical sciences. Recommended preparation includes calculus (or precalculus), physics, and chemistry; coursework or experience in computer programming and statistics is advantageous. Admissions evaluate overall academic performance and preparation for a rigorous STEM degree.

Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong quantitative skills, problem-solving ability and an interest in hands-on observational or modelling work. Transfer students should have completed equivalent college-level calculus and introductory physics. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department to discuss specific preparation and to learn about opportunities for first-year research and advising.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a variety of careers across public, private and non-profit sectors. Common pathways include operational forecasting with national and local weather services, broadcast meteorology, and roles in aviation or emergency management where weather expertise is essential. Technical positions in numerical weather prediction, atmospheric research, climate monitoring and environmental consulting are frequent destinations for graduates with strong modelling and data skills.

Other opportunities include work in renewable energy (wind and solar resource assessment), air quality and environmental regulation, hydrology and water resources, and technology firms developing sensing and analytics for weather-dependent markets. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study in atmospheric science, climate science, environmental science or related engineering and data-science disciplines.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a programme with strong emphasis on both observational and modelling aspects of atmospheric science, taught by faculty active in research and field campaigns. Its location in the central United States places students in a region with diverse weather phenomena, providing rich opportunities for case studies, fieldwork and partnerships with regional observing networks.

Students benefit from hands-on access to departmental laboratories, instrumentation and computing resources, as well as close advising and opportunities to join faculty research projects. The department supports internship and outreach connections with forecasting offices, research centres and private-sector employers, helping students gain practical experience and transition into career roles or graduate school.