Program at a glance
How much does it cost?
Learn more about how to afford a degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.
How long does it take?
This 120 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.
What will I learn in an atmospheric science degree program?
The bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science at the University of Nevada, Reno examines the physical characteristics, processes and dynamics of the atmosphere and their influence on the environment and society. You learn to interpret and predict weather patterns, analyze climate trends and monitor air quality through a combination of outdoor study, laboratory research and computer-based modeling. The program develops knowledge of atmospheric physics, observational methods and instrumentation, as well as skills in data analysis and scientific communication. Graduates are prepared to apply atmospheric science to interdisciplinary research and to commercial and public needs.
The Department of Physics
The Department of Physics at the University of Nevada, Reno provides students with a deep understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Through advanced laboratories and faculty-mentored research in areas such as atmospheric science, optics and plasma physics, students prepare for careers in research, engineering and technology.
Why choose the College of Science?
The College of Science offers educational opportunities in pure and applied physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, and mathematics. Professors in the College frequently earn statewide teaching excellence awards and are pioneers in their respective fields, with access to high-powered scientific facilities and resources to perform research on all seven continents. The College also encompasses three public museums that offer research and community engagement opportunities: the iconic Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum.
Earn a dual degree in secondary education and atmospheric science
The NevadaTeach program at the University of Nevada, Reno provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.
Take the next step
Careers with a degree in atmospheric science
The bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science gives you a very strong and adaptable science and math knowledge base with many career avenues. You can pursue jobs at federal agencies such as NASA, the National Weather Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Geological Survey and the Department of Energy. Careers with a degree in atmospheric science include:
- Meteorologist or forecaster
- Climatologist
- Air quality scientist or manager
- Fire weather analyst
- Data scientist or analyst
- Renewable energy analyst
You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
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Live a life of discovery.
At the College of Science, our accomplished faculty, inventive students, leading researchers and scientific pioneers take on complex challenges and unearth groundbreaking solutions for problems we all care about.
Learn more about the College of Science