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Atmospheric & Space Scientist
As a young child, did you ever enjoy playing in the rain? Ever been afraid of lightning or thunderstorms, watched the news in eager anticipation of snow, or tracked a hurricane for a Science assignment? Has any of this ever piqued your curiosity in weather phenomena? If so, and if you love Math, Science, doing research, and speaking in front of people, then you should consider a career in Atmospheric Science.
Atmospheric Scientists study, measure, analyze, and investigate the physical characteristics, motions, and processes of the atmosphere (weather, climate, etc.) and interpret meteorological data gathered by worldwide data-collecting sensors, surface and air stations, satellites, weather balloons, and radar to prepare reports and weather forecasts from their analyses for public and other uses. They analyze the Earth’s temperature, air pressure, wind, and humidity and apply statistical and mathematical calculations in order to make weather predictions. They work at weather stations located throughout the country and around the world—at airports and in remote, isolated areas, offices and laboratories, radio and television studios, and in the field, observing weather events up close from the ground, ships, or aircraft.
The duties of an Atmospheric Scientist include but are not limited to: measuring the properties of air (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed); developing mathematical and computer models to analyze atmospheric data for weather predictions; using graphics software to develop and illustrate short- and long-term weather reports, maps, graphics, and forecasts; broadcasting weather conditions, forecasts (storm, temperature, etc.), and warnings (tornado, flash flood, winter storm); advising residents on best ways to survive adverse weather; studying, understanding, and predicting global weather patterns and determining problematic changes (air pollution, drought, loss of the ozone layer, etc.); collecting and analyzing historical climate data (precipitation, temperature, etc.) to help predict future weather and climate trends; monitoring climate change's impact on water supplies; collaborating with other scientists to address agriculture, pollution control, and water management problems, global warming, and ozone depletion; researching and analyzing the impact of industrial projects and pollution on climate, air quality, and weather phenomena; collecting air composition samples from aircraft, ships on inland waters, and ocean vessels; consulting with agencies regarding the interpretation and use of climatological information; designing and developing new methods and equipment for meteorological data collection; determining the best locations for wind (mill) farms; publishing reports, articles, and texts; and teaching at universities.
High school students interested in becoming an Atmospheric Scientist benefit from taking Geography, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Computer Applications, Earth Science, Physics, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Communications. Students entering Atmospheric Science Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous Atmospheric Science training should expect a period of 4 years to complete said program. After meeting education requirements, graduates seeking certification must have five years of post-graduate work experience, furnish references from colleagues and professionals within the field, and take the Certified Consulting Meteorologist professional certification exam (consultants) or the Certified Broadcast Meteorologists certification (those working in radio or television). Certification is issued by the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
Specialists in Atmospheric Science include: Broadcast Meteorologist (give weather forecasts to general public); Research Meteorologist (develop new methods of data collection, observation, and forecasting); Weather Forecaster (use computer and mathematical models to produce weather reports and short-term forecasts); Climatologist (study climate—long-term weather patterns—and shifts thereof); and Forensic Meteorologist (investigate the role weather played in traffic accidents and fires).
Employment for Atmospheric Scientists is projected to grow by 11 percent over the next decade. In this highly competitive field, job prospects depend heavily on specialty, and prospects will be particularly good for those with advanced degrees (especially PhDs) and for those willing to work in under-served, rural regions and in private industry.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $75,620
Salary Range: ~$38,450 - $168,020+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming an Atmospheric Scientist have been to major in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Physics and Astronomy (Atmospheric Science minor), Physics (Atmospheric Science concentration), Earth Science, Oceanic Science, Hydrologic Science, Aviation Science, or Natural Sciences.
College coursework usually include Weather Systems, Physics, Hydrology, Thermodynamics, Climatology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science (programming forecasting software), Oceanography, Public Speaking, Statistics, Journalism, Geology, and Communications (Broadcast Meteorologists).
Climate and weather research firms, government agencies, and weather broadcasters typically seek advanced degrees (Master’s or preferably a Ph.D.) in Atmospheric Science, or a related field, for jobs in research, and a Ph.D. is generally required of teachers at universities, which requires four more years of college after earning a Bachelor's degree.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges and universities that have Atmospheric Science and related majors are: North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); Howard University (Washington, DC); West Virginia State University (Charleston, West Virginia); Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio); Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas); South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); and Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, Alabama).
Available Scholarships
