Report an accessibility problem

Geography (Meteorology-Climatology) ,BS

Geography (Meteorology-Climatology), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Geography (Meteorology-Climatology)

Air Quality, Atmosphere, Climate, Environment, Flood Control, Flooding, Floods, Meteorologist, Meteorology, Science, Storm Chasing, Storms, Weather, Weather Forecaster, physics

Do you know, from a technical perspective, why storms, monsoons and haboobs build on the horizon? When you better understand climate change, you gain skills 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.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
  • Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
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 plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Transfer admission requirements:

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

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

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

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® 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 they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students deepen their understanding of cultural traditions in the human experience of place when studying abroad. With more than 300 Global Education programs available around the world, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets and gain hands-on experience in diverse cultures and traditions. Students' resumes are enhanced with the heightened skills in cultural competency, communication and critical thinking acquired through study abroad.

Career opportunities

Program graduates 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 job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
1.4%
$132,250
6.1%
$76,480
4.1%
$64,460
4.6%
$71,690
6.1%
$76,480
9.7%
$98,740
1.5%
$85,990
4.4%
$83,780
-3.3%
$55,960
3.3%
$128,620
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

click back to top