Geography (Meteorology-Climatology), BS


Do you know, from a technical perspective, why storms, monsoons and haboobs build on the horizon? When you better understand climate change, you are prepared for an impactful career as a meteorologist or climatologist.

Program Description

The meteorology-climatology concentration under the BS program in geography is designed to meet the requirements for certification as a meteorologist by the National Weather Service. It covers dynamic as well as synoptic meteorology.

Students gain a focused understanding of weather, climate and the various related methods of measurement and instrumentation. Required courses include atmospheric physics, operational weather forecasting, three semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.



Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
  • Math Intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Concurrent degree admission requirements:

Freshman applicants must meet all of the following standards:

  1. minimum ABOR GPA of 3.75
  2. no English competency deficiencies
  3. 1040 SAT Reasoning or 22 ACT score

Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 from a transfer institution.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.



Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Urban and Environmental Planning, MUEP

Want to make an impact? Prepare to enter the workforce, become a leader in the planning profession, and impact your community. Through small classes and real-world projects, this two-year professional degree program equips you to solve complex issues in diverse communities.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Geography, MA

Come discover geographical sciences at ASU. This program offers a unique learning environment that places your focus on location --- the heart of geography, urban planning, climatology and geographic information science. With that foundation, you can tackle some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges facing our world today.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Career Outlook

Students successfully completing the program have found employment with:

  • airlines
  • energy power companies
  • government agencies
  • military (meteorology and pilot training)
  • National Weather Service

This program also provides suitable preparation for graduate study in either meteorology or climatology.

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. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Air Traffic Controller


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: $132,250

Climate Change Analyst


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $76,480

Environmental Analyst


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $64,460

Environmental Compliance Inspector


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: $71,690

Environmental Restoration Planner


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: $76,480

Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician)


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: $98,740
  Bright Outlook

Hydrologist


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: $85,990

Meteorologist


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: $83,780

News Reporter


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: $55,960

Wind Energy Operations Manager


  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: $128,620
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu





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.