Atmospheric Sciences, Certificate
Program Description
Students in the atmospheric sciences certificate program gain a focused understanding of weather, climate and the various related methods of measurement and instrumentation. The coursework is designed to give students the knowledge and skill set necessary for approaching meteorology-related programs through the lens of their primary field of study.
The certificate program's curriculum is also associated with the requirements for certification as a meteorologist by the National Weather Service. By completing the atmospheric sciences certificate and the BS program in geography with a concentration in meteorology-climatology, students acquire geographic information systems expertise and meteorological instrumentation skills required for national-level certification with the National Weather Service.
Program Requirements
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 better (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 prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career Outlook
A certificate in atmospheric sciences is a valuable addition to a degree for students looking for a career in which understanding weather systems could be beneficial, including career fields related to sustainability, resource management and more.
When combined with a BS in geography with a concentration in meteorology-climatology, students earning the certificate in atmospheric sciences are prepared for careers as meteorologists, such as broadcast meteorologists with the National Weather Service. They are also prepared to continue their studies for an advanced degree.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Growth: 5%
- Median Salary*: 71890
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 71690
Geographers
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: 88900
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Growth: 9.7%
- Median Salary*: 98740
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 87480
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: 97770
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Growth: 4.4%
- Median Salary*: 83780
Sustainability Specialists
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 75990
Wind Energy Engineers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 104600
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SGSUP.advising@asu.edu
- 480/965-7533