Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S.

Program Code: METEO_BS

Program Description

Meteorology and atmospheric science is a rigorous scientific discipline devoted to the attainment of an increased understanding of the atmosphere and the development of methods for applying that knowledge to practical problems. Although this field is usually associated with weather prediction, it also has significance in environmental, energy, agricultural, oceanic, and hydrological sciences. For students wishing to pursue many of these areas, the department offers several options within the major.

The major requires a solid foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences, and it provides a comprehensive survey of the fundamentals of atmospheric science. It has sufficient flexibility to permit intensive advanced study in such related areas as mathematics, Earth sciences, or engineering. The department has particular strengths in weather analysis and prediction, including forecast uncertainty and severe weather; physical meteorology, including radar meteorology, instrumentation and atmospheric measurements; and applied areas, including atmospheric diffusion, air pollution chemistry, dynamic meteorology, tropical meteorology, climate, weather risk, and remote sensing.

Graduating meteorologists are prepared for professional employment with industry, private consulting firms, government, and the armed forces or for further study toward graduate degrees normally required for research, university, or management positions.

The first and second years are largely devoted to preparatory work in science, mathematics, and the liberal arts. The junior and senior years involve a core of basic courses in applied and theoretical topics and a choice of courses offering specialized training. The courses unique to each option are normally taken in the junior and senior years.

Atmospheric Science Option

This option challenges students to strengthen and broaden their understanding of the physics and chemistry of both the atmosphere and oceans. It helps prepare them for employment in the diverse field of the atmospheric sciences and for graduate study in the atmospheric or related disciplines. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research projects under the supervision of atmospheric and oceanic scientists in the department college.

Environmental Meteorology Option

Environmental Meteorology prepares the student for understanding the impact of the weather and climate on the environment, which is to say the impacts of air and water on natural and human-altered ecosystems. In order to do this, the option establishes links between atmospheric physics and a variety of environmental disciplines pertaining to land, water, soils, and plants. Depending on his/her interests, the student will select courses in Air Quality and Dispersion, Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Geographic Information Systems, or Hydrology.

General Option

This option has sufficient flexibility to serve the needs of students who wish to pursue topics chosen broadly from subdisciplines of meteorology or from related areas in consultation with the academic adviser. The General option is appropriate both for students who intend to pursue postgraduate degrees and for students who want to emphasize a topic for which no option exists.

Weather Forecasting and Communications Option

This option prepares students for careers in which their skills as weather forecasters are effectively used in a variety of ways, from science reporting and television broadcasting to web design and computer-based weather graphics production, and developing innovative applications of weather and climate data to industry.

Weather Risk Management Option

The option combines study of meteorology and atmospheric sciences with training in risk, finance, and quantitative decision-making. Weather affects a wide range of industries, including energy, agriculture, insurance, construction, retail, and transport, among others. Weather and climate variation play central roles in the availability of water resources, the spread of disease, and an array of other processes vital for human welfare. There are, consequently, many organizations that confront risks related to weather, and that have a demand for experts who can help them manage these risks. The option in Weather Risk Management is designed for students who wish to work professionally at this intersection of meteorology and risk management.

What is Meteorology and Atmospheric Science?

Meteorology is one of the oldest of modern sciences. The word itself was coined by Aristotle more than 2,000 years ago for the first book on the science of “things lifted up.” Meteorology and atmospheric science is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific principles to explain, understand, observe, and forecast the behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists explore the significance of weather and climate as it relates to the environmental, energy, agricultural, oceanic, and hydrological sciences. From severe weather, numerical weather prediction, and climate change to weather risk and air pollution—there’s no shortage of practical applications in meteorology and atmospheric science.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are interested in applying mathematics, physics, and computer programming to real-world problems.
  • You are fascinated with weather, climate, or the environment.
  • You are a self-described "weather geek."
  • You would like to be a “weather communicator” such as a television meteorologist or science writer.
  • You want to study global warming and the Earth's changing climate.
  • You would like to work with data from satellites, radar, and other environmental sensors.

Entrance to Major

In addition to the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements described in the University Policies, the Meteorology entrance-to-major requirement must also be completed with a minimum grade of C: MATH 140.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology, a minimum of 121 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 4-9
Requirements for the Major 93-95

23-26 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 8 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 0-3 credits of GS courses; 9 credits of GWS courses.

Requirements for the Major

For a Meteorology course to serve as a prerequisite for any subsequent prescribed or supporting Meteorology course in the major, a grade of C or better must be earned in the prerequisite course.

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
EMSC 100SEarth and Mineral Sciences First-Year Seminar Keystone/General Education Course 13
MATH 251Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations4
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
METEO 300Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science4
METEO 411Synoptic Meteorology Laboratory4
METEO 421Atmospheric Dynamics4
METEO 431Atmospheric Thermodynamics3
METEO 440WPrinciples of Atmospheric Measurements3
METEO 470Climate Dynamics3
Additional Courses
CAS 100Effective Speech3
or ENGL 202C Effective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course
ENGL 15Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 30H Honors Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Programming for Engineers with MATLAB Keystone/General Education Course
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
CMPSC 202
Introduction to Programming Techniques for Meteorology
Select one of the following:3
Quantitative Analysis in Earth Sciences
STAT 301
Experimental Methods
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select one of the following:3
Understanding Weather Forecasting
METEO 200A
or METEO 200B
Introduction to Weather Analysis
Select one of the following:4
Calculus and Vector Analysis
Calculus of Several Variables
and Integral Vector Calculus
Requirements for the Option
Select an option27-29
1

The following substitutions are allowed for students attending campuses where the indicated courses is not offered: CAS 100 or ENGL 202C can be substituted for EMSC 100S.

Requirements for the Option

Atmospheric Science Option (27-28 credits)
Prescribed Courses
METEO 422Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics3
Additional Courses
Select 6-13 credits of the following: 16-13
Mesoscale Meteorology
Radar Meteorology
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Tropical Meteorology
Atmospheric Dispersion
Middle Atmosphere Meteorology
Planetary Atmospheres
METEO 471
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Systems
Undergraduate Research
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3-6 credits of the following:3-6
Application of Computers to Meteorology
Computer Methods of Meteorological Analysis and Forecasting
Select 6-9 credits of the following:6-9
Radiation and Climate
Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics
Introduction to Micrometeorology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 3 credits of W courses or their equivalent in addition to the following:3
Principles of Atmospheric Measurements
1

Up to 9 of these credits in relevant courses in Acoustics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics may be substituted with the approval of the student's adviser.

Environmental Meteorology Option (27-29 credits)
Prescribed Courses
CE 370Introduction to Environmental Engineering3
METEO 455Atmospheric Dispersion3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
METEO 454Introduction to Micrometeorology3
Additional Courses 1
Select 15-17 credits of the following:15-17
Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course
Fluid Mechanics
Water-resource Engineering
Water Quality Chemistry
Environmental Microbiology for Engineers
Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course
Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course
Physical Chemistry - Thermodynamics
Experimental Physical Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
Air Pollution Impacts to Terrestrial Ecosystems
Limnology
Stream Restoration
Wetland Science and Sustainability
GEOG 311
Introduction to Field Geography
Biogeography and Global Ecology
Cartography--Maps and Map Construction
Image Analysis
Geographic Information Systems
Satellite Climatology
Geospatial Information Management
Indoor Air Quality Engineering
Fundamentals of Air Pollution
Air Quality Forecasting
Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
METEO 473Application of Computers to Meteorology3
or METEO 474 Computer Methods of Meteorological Analysis and Forecasting
1

May apply to General Education

General Option (27 credits)
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
METEO 473Application of Computers to Meteorology3
or METEO 474 Computer Methods of Meteorological Analysis and Forecasting
Select one of the following:3
Radiation and Climate
Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics
Introduction to Micrometeorology
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 21 credits in consultation with adviser from 400-level METEO courses and/or 300-, or 400-level courses from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and/or Science 121
1

With the approval of a meteorology adviser, some 200-level courses from those Colleges may also be used.

Weather Forecasting and Communications Option (28 credits)
Prescribed Courses
METEO 414Mesoscale Meteorology4
METEO 415Forecasting Practicum3
METEO 481Weather Communications I3
METEO 482Weather Communications II3
Additional Courses
Select 6-9 credits of the following:6-9
Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Systems
Science Writing
Human Dimensions of Natural Hazards
Cartography--Maps and Map Construction
Image Analysis
Geographic Information Systems
Satellite Climatology
Applied Cartographic Design
Natural Disasters
Map Analysis
Advanced Forecasting
METEO 418
Air Quality Forecasting
Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics
Radar Meteorology
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Tropical Meteorology
Introduction to Micrometeorology
METEO 471
Weather Communications III
Pennsylvania Climate Studies (1-2, max 3)
Any two from:
Meteorology Communications Internship
Meteorology Private Sector Internship
Meteorological Operations Internship
Meteorological International Internship
Meteorological Off-Campus Research Internship
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
METEO 436Radiation and Climate3
or METEO 437 Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics
Select 3-6 credits of the following:3-6
Application of Computers to Meteorology
Computer Methods of Meteorological Analysis and Forecasting
Weather Risk Management Option (27 credits)
Prescribed Courses
EBF 473Risk Management in Energy Industries3
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
METEO 460Weather Risk and Financial Markets3
Additional Courses
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Global Finance for the Earth, Energy, and Materials Industries
Introduction to Electricity Markets
Energy Economics
Design of Solar Energy Conversion Systems
Wind and Hydropower Energy Conversion
Geo-resource Evaluation and Investment Analysis
Select one of the following:3
ECON 490
Elementary Probability
Elementary Mathematical Statistics
Introduction to Probability Theory
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Intermediate Applied Statistics
Applied Regression Analysis
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Forecasting Practicum (does not require a grade of C or better)
Application of Computers to Meteorology
Computer Methods of Meteorological Analysis and Forecasting
Select one of the following:3
Radiation and Climate
Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics
Introduction to Micrometeorology (preferred choice)

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science and M.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science and M.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Graduates can demonstrate skills for interpreting and applying atmospheric observations.
  • Graduates can demonstrate knowledge of the atmosphere and its evolution.
  • Graduates can demonstrate knowledge of the role of water in the atmosphere.
  • Graduates can demonstrate facility with computer applications to atmospheric problems.
  • Graduates can demonstrate skills for communicating their technical knowledge.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Jon M. Nese
Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs
518 Walker Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4076
j2n@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

General Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)4
METEO 201*3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4METEO 431*3
METEO 300*4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24STAT 301 or STAT 4013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 421*4METEO 470*3
METEO 436, 437, or 454*3METEO 440W*3
METEO 411*4General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
METEO 473 or 474*3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 Professional Elective33
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective33
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective33
Professional Elective33Professional Elective33
Professional Elective33Elective3
Professional Elective33Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

Professional elective: Select 21 credits, in consultation with adviser, from 400-level METEO courses and/or 300-, or 400-level courses from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and/or Science. With the approval of a meteorology adviser, some 200-level courses from those Colleges may also be used.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

General Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3PHYS 211 (GN)4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†13METEO 101 (online)*3
General Education Knowledge Domain3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24METEO 300*34
General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Knowledge Domain3
 15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 431*3METEO 440W*3
STAT 301 or STAT 4013METEO 411*4
Elective3METEO 421*4
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective43
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 470*3Professional Elective43
METEO 473 or 474*3Professional Elective43
METEO 436, 437, or 454*3Professional Elective43
Professional Elective43Professional Elective43
Professional Elective43Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online.

4

Professional elective: Select 21 credits, in consultation with adviser, from 400-level METEO courses and/or 300-, or 400-level courses from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and/or Science. With the approval of a meteorology adviser, some 200-level courses from those Colleges may also be used.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Atmospheric Sciences Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)4
METEO 201*3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education knowledge domain3 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4METEO 431*3
METEO 300*4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24STAT 301 or STAT 4013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 421*4METEO 470*3
METEO 436, 437, or 454*33METEO 440W*3
METEO 411*4General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
METEO 473 or 474*33General Education Knowledge Domain3
 Professional Elective33
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 4223Professional Elective33
METEO 436, 437, or 454*33Professional Elective33
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective33
General Education Knowledge Domain3Elective3
Professional Elective33Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

Students should select 3-6 credits from METEO 473(3) and METEO 474(3); 6-9 credits from METEO 436(3), METEO 437(3), and METEO 454(3); and 6-13 credits from METEO 414(4), METEO 434(3), METEO 451(3), METEO 452(3), METEO 455(3), METEO 465(3), METEO 466(3), METEO 471(3), METEO 477(3), METEO 480W(3). Up to 9 of these credits in relevant courses in Acoustics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics may be substituted with the approval of the student's faculty adviser. Students must also select 3 credits of Writing across the curriculum courses, or their equivalent, in addition to METEO 440W.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Atmospheric Sciences Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3PHYS 211 (GN)4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†13METEO 101 (online)*3
General Education Knowledge Domain3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24METEO 300*34
General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Knowledge Domain3
 15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 431*3METEO 440W*3
STAT 301 or STAT 4013METEO 411*4
Elective3METEO 421*4
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective43
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 470*3METEO 436, 437, or 454*3
METEO 473 or 474*3Professional Elective43
METEO 436, 437, or 454*3Professional Elective43
METEO 4223Professional Elective43
Professional Elective43Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online.

4

Students should select 3-6 credits from METEO 473(3) and METEO 474(3); 6-9 credits from METEO 436(3), METEO 437(3), and METEO 454(3); and 6-13 credits from METEO 414(4), METEO 434(3), METEO 451(3), METEO 452(3), METEO 455(3), METEO 465(3), METEO 466(3), METEO 471(3), METEO 477(3), METEO 480W(3). Up to 9 of these credits in relevant courses in Acoustics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics may be substituted with the approval of the student's faculty adviser. Students must also select 3 credits of Writing across the curriculum courses, or their equivalent, in addition to METEO 440W.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Environmental Meteorology Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)4
METEO 201*3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4METEO 431*3
METEO 300*4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24STAT 301 or STAT 4013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 421*4METEO 470*3
METEO 411*4METEO 440W*3
METEO 473 or 474*3General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
CE 3703General Education Knowledge Domain3
 Professional Elective33
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 454*3METEO 4553
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective33
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective33
Professional Elective33Elective3
Professional Elective33Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

Professional elective: Select 15-17 credits from BIOL 110 GN(4), CE 360(3), CE 461(3), CE 475(4), CE 479(3), CHEM 112 GN(3), CHEM 113 GN(1), CHEM 450(3), CHEM 457(2), CHEM 464(3), ERM 430(3), ERM 435(3), ERM 447(3), ERM 450(3), GEOG 313(3), GEOG 314 GN(3), GEOG 361(3), GEOG 362(3), GEOG 363(3), GEOG 414(3), GEOG 417(3), GEOG 463(3), ME 405(3), ME 433(3), METEO 419(3), METEO 437(3).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Environmental Meteorology Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3PHYS 211 (GN)4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†13METEO 101 (online)*3
General Education Knowledge Domain3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24METEO 300*34
General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Knowledge Domain3
 15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 431*3METEO 440W*3
STAT 301 or STAT 4013METEO 411*4
CE 3703METEO 421*4
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective43
Elective3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 470*3METEO 4553
METEO 473 or 474*3Professional Elective43
METEO 454*3Professional Elective43
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective43
Professional Elective43Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online.

4

Professional elective: Select 15-17 credits from BIOL 110 GN(4), CE 360(3), CE 461(3), CE 475(4), CE 479(3), CHEM 112 GN(3), CHEM 113 GN(1), CHEM 450(3), CHEM 457(2), CHEM 464(3), ERM 430(3), ERM 435(3), ERM 447(3), ERM 450(3), GEOG 313(3), GEOG 314 GN(3), GEOG 361(3), GEOG 362(3), GEOG 363(3), GEOG 414(3), GEOG 417(3), GEOG 463(3), ME 405(3), ME 433(3), METEO 419(3), METEO 437(3).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Weather Risk Management Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)4
METEO 201*3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
ECON 1023 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4METEO 431*3
METEO 300*4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24STAT 301 or STAT 4013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 421*4METEO 470*3
METEO 436, 437, or 454*3METEO 440W*3
METEO 411*4METEO 415, 473, or 474*33
General Education Knowledge Domain3EBF/EGEE Selection43
 General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 415, 473, or 474*3METEO 4603
EBF 4733EBF/EGEE Selection43
General Education Knowledge Domain3STAT Selection53
General Education Knowledge Domain3Elective3
Elective3Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

Select 6 credits from METEO 415(3), METEO 473(3) or METEO 474(3).

4

Select 6 credits from EBF 301(3); EBF 483(3), EBF 484(3); EGEE 437(3); EGEE 438(3); or EME 460(3).

5

Select 3 credits from ECON 490(3), STAT 318(3), STAT 319(3), STAT 414(3), STAT 415(3), STAT 460(3) or STAT 462(3).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Weather Risk Management Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3PHYS 211 (GN)4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†13METEO 101 (online)*3
ECON 1023METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24METEO 300*34
General Education Foundation selection (GWS)‡†13General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Knowledge Domain3
 15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 431*3METEO 440W*3
STAT 301 or STAT 4013METEO 411*4
Elective3METEO 421*4
General Education Knowledge Domain3EBF/EGEE Selection43
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 470*3METEO 4603
METEO 436, 437, or 454*3METEO 415, 473, or 474*53
METEO 415, 473, or 474*53EBF/EGEE Selection43
EBF 4733STAT Selection63
Elective3Elective 4
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online.

4

Select 6 credits from EBF 301(3); EBF 483(3), EBF 484(3); EGEE 437(3); EGEE 438(3); or EME 460(3).

5

Select 6 credits from METEO 415(3), METEO 473(3) or METEO 474(3).

6

Select 3 credits from ECON 490(3), STAT 318(3), STAT 319(3), STAT 414(3), STAT 415(3), STAT 460(3) or STAT 462(3).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Weather Forecasting and Communications Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 or 140G (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 or 141G (GQ)*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡†3
EMSC 100S (GWS)‡†13PHYS 211 (GN)4
METEO 201*3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4METEO 431*3
METEO 300*4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24STAT 301 or STAT 4013
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 421*4METEO 470*3
METEO 411*4METEO 440W*3
METEO 4813METEO 4823
METEO 473 or 474*33General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
 General Education Knowledge Domain3
 14 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 436 or 437*3METEO 4144
METEO 4153Professional Elective43
General Education Knowledge Domain3Professional Elective43
General Education Knowledge Domain3Elective3
Professional Elective43Elective3
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

3

Select 3-6 credits from METEO 473(3) and METEO 474(3).

4

Professional elective: Select 6-9 credits from CAS 211(3), EE 477(3) or METEO 477(3); ENGL 416(3), GEOG 333(3), GEOG 361(3), GEOG 362(3), GEOG 363(3), GEOG 417(3), GEOG 467(3), GEOSC 402 IL(3), METEO 413(3), METEO 416(3), METEO 418(3), METEO 419(3), METEO 422(3), METEO 434(3), METEO 451(3), METEO 452(3), METEO 454(3), METEO 471(3), METEO 483(3), METEO 486(1-2, max 3), any two from METEO 495A(3), METEO 495B(3), METEO 495C(3), METEO 495D(3) or METEO 495E(3).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Weather Forecasting and Communications Option: Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡†4
CHEM 110 (GN)3PHYS 211 (GN)4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡†13METEO 101 (online)*3
General Education Knowledge Domain3METEO 273, CMPSC 101, CMPSC 200, CMPSC 201, or CMPSC 2023
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 212 (GN)4MATH 2514
MATH 230*24METEO 300*34
General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13General Education Foundation Selection (GWS)‡†13
General Education Knowledge Domain3General Education Knowledge Domain3
General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5General Education Knowledge Domain3
 15.5 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 431*3METEO 440W*3
METEO 4813METEO 411*4
STAT 301 or STAT 4013METEO 421*4
General Education Knowledge Domain3METEO 4823
General Education Knowledge Domain3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
METEO 470*3METEO 4144
METEO 473 or 474*3Professional Elective53
METEO 436 or 437*43Professional Elective53
METEO 4153Professional Elective53
Elective3Elective 3
 15 16
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

2

Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments.

4

Select 3-6 credits from METEO 473(3) and METEO 474(3).

5

Professional elective: Select 6-9 credits from CAS 211(3), EE 477(3) or METEO 477(3); ENGL 416(3), GEOG 333(3), GEOG 361(3), GEOG 362(3), GEOG 363(3), GEOG 417(3), GEOG 467(3), GEOSC 402 IL(3), METEO 413(3), METEO 416(3), METEO 418(3), METEO 419(3), METEO 422(3), METEO 434(3), METEO 451(3), METEO 452(3), METEO 454(3), METEO 471(3), METEO 483(3), METEO 486(1-2, max 3), any two from METEO 495A(3), METEO 495B(3), METEO 495C(3), METEO 495D(3) or METEO 495E(3).

3

METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

Graduating meteorologists and atmospheric scientists are prepared for professional employment with industry, private consulting firms, government, and the armed forces. Students who graduate with a B.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from Penn State and who have some research or internship experience are positioned well for graduate study. Typically, about one-third of our B.S. graduates pursue an M.S. or Ph.D.

Careers

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. The best job prospects for atmospheric scientists will be in private industry as businesses demand specialized weather forecasts and weather information.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE METEOROLOGY AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Further study toward an M.S. or Ph.D. can lead to research, university, or management positions.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
503 Walker Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0478
meteoundergrad@meteo.psu.edu

http://www.met.psu.edu