Introduction

Atmospheric and Climate Science is a wide-ranging discipline that includes topics as diverse as weather forecasting, climate change, air quality, mountain weather, marine weather, El Nino, the ozone hole, ice ages, and the weather of Mars. It considers problems that are both scientifically challenging and critical for the welfare of modern society.

Who We Are

The UW Atmospheric and Climate Science program is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Our award-winning faculty have authored more than a dozen textbooks and conduct cutting edge scientific research. Undergraduate students have opportunities to be engaged in those research projects, and our small class sizes allow one-on-one learning with faculty. Students can connect what they are learning in class and explore new ideas with an optional thesis or honors project.

Get involved with the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), the ATMOS Diversity and Inclusion Group (DIG), participate in weekly weather discussions, compete with the WxChallenge team, or join the UW Dawgcast Club. Hang out in the map room and discuss weather data or joint projects, and enjoy the community of a smaller department within a large University. Check out what our current students and alumni have to say!

Careers

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of career options including weather forecasting, weather, climate, and environmental consulting, TV weather casting, data science, further study at a graduate institution, or a variety of alternative career paths. Students who choose the Meteorology option of the program are eligible for the rating of professional meteorologist given by the United States Civil Service Commission. See more career opportunities here.

Facilities

The Department receives a wide range of weather data and forecast model output from several major numerical weather prediction centers, including surface and upper air data, radar and satellite imagery, and forecast output.  It maintains interactive software for acquiring, displaying, and printing all forms of observations and model output, as well as instruments for taking local observations.

The department maintains a meteorological broadcasting studio with professional-grade graphics, which is used in both our broadcast meteorology course (ATMOS 361) and by the department’s broadcasting club, UW DawgCast.