Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences

Frequently asked questions for prospective atmospheric science majors:

• What is the typical size of an atmospheric science class?
• What are some internship or independent study opportunities within the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?
• Can I do a research projects with a faculty member in the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?
• What types of jobs are available in atmospheric science?
• What courses do I need to take before I can begin my atmospheric science coursework?
• Can I minor in atmospheric science?
• Do I need to apply to this major for admission?

Frequently asked questions for prospective environmental science majors:

• What is the typical size of an environmental science class?
• What is a "concentration", and how and when do I choose one?
• What are some internship or independent study opportunities within the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?
• What types of jobs are available in environmental science?
• Do I need to apply to this major for admission?

Frequently asked questions for prospective atmospheric science majors:

What is the typical size of an atmospheric science class?

Some introductory classes in atmospheric science (e.g., those taken sophomore year) are also taken by some environmental science majors, and can have approximately 20-35 students in them. However, since we graduate between 10-20 atmospheric science majors each year, by the time students are in their junior year, a typical class size is more like 10-20, and students really get to know their peers in the major very well.

What are some internship or independent study opportunities within the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?

By the time students finish their sophomore year, they can intern at the National Weather Service Forecast Office, which is located on campus, only a fifteen minute walk from the Earth Science building. These internships are either done during a full academic year, or during the summer. During the internship, students are asked to perform important tasks such as launching weather balloons, assisting with the forecast process, assisting with storm reports, and repairing observing stations. Atmospheric science majors have also done internships at the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and many broadcast news stations across the region. Students can do any of the above internships and receive UAlbany credits for their work.

Can I do a research projects with a faculty member in the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?

Many atmospheric science students choose to do individual research projects for credit by the time they reach junior or senior year. Because our faculty has expertise throughout the field of atmospheric science, students can choose a research topic, and then approach a specific faculty member whose expertise matches the student's topic of interest. Research projects can be presented at local conferences, and in some cases can turn into peer-reviewed research papers. Students in the Honors College are required to do research projects during their senior year, but any student can participate in research if they are interested.

What types of jobs are available in atmospheric science?

Many of our undergraduate degree recipients advance to graduate study, and our department offers one of the top graduate atmospheric science programs in the country. Others obtain employment in federal, state and local government agencies, university departments, research laboratories, and private industry. Some of the more common types of employment span the areas of:
-Research
-Teaching
-Emergency preparedness organizations (private and public sector)
-Air quality monitoring
-Weather forecasting (private sector, and National Weather Service/NOAA)
-Television broadcasting
-Scientific and engineering consultation
-Solar and wind energy development, and energy forecasting
-Risk management
-Finance/derivatives
-Meteorological instrumentation development and manufacturing
-Environmental legislation

What courses do I need to take before I can begin my atmospheric science coursework?

Because atmospheric science is a physical science, much of the theory and explanation of weather and climate phenomena involve complex quantitative analyses. Thus, students who major in atmospheric science must take four semesters of calculus, three semesters of physics, and one semester of chemistry in order to satisfy the breadth science requirements. Some of these courses are taken freshman year, and others are taken sophomore year, concurrent with introductory atmospheric science courses.

Can I minor in atmospheric science?

Yes, popular majors for which atmospheric science is a minor are environmental science, math, physics, chemistry, business, and geography.

Do I need to apply to this major for admission?

There is no application process for admission into the atmospheric science major; you will simply declare your major as atmospheric science upon admission into UAlbany. Then, you will be assigned an advisor in our department, who you will meet with each semester before registration for classes.

Frequently asked questions for prospective environmental science majors:

What is the typical size of an environmental science class?

Class size ranges from around 10 to around 40, with smaller class sizes expected in student's junior and senior years.

What is a "concentration", and how and when do I choose one?

Every environmental science major is required to choose from one of three concentrations: Climate, biology, and geography. These dictate the course requirements and electives a student will take in their junior and senior years. One does not need to choose a concentration right away, but should decide on one by the beginning of their sophomore year. Once you are assigned an advisor (typically by the summer after your freshman year), he/she can help you decide your concentration.

What are some internship or independent study opportunities within the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences?

Environmental science majors have participated in many different types of internships and independent studies both within the department, and in outside organizations. Students can land internships at the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Emergency Management, wind power and energy companies in the Capital Region, and many others. In addition, undergraduates have the opportunity to do research with in and outside the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. Any of the above internships or independent research can be done for UAlbany credits, which apply to the major.

What types of jobs are available in environmental science?

Environmental science majors will be well qualified for a broad range of positions within the highly interdisciplinary field. Consulting firms, industry, federal and state government agencies all require employees with this type of training. The demand for individuals with such a degree is anticipated to remain strong as our society attempts to cope with and address a myriad of environmental impacts that are occurring on local, regional, national, and global scales. Additionally, graduates with this degree are well prepared to consider advanced degrees in the sciences, or other fields such as business administration (M.B.A.) or law (J.D.). In fact, many of our undergraduate degree recipients advance to graduate study.

Do I need to apply to this major for admission?

There is no application process for admission into the environmental science major; you will simply declare your major as environmental science with a concentration in either biology, climate, or geography, upon admission into UAlbany. Then, you will be assigned an advisor in our department, who you will meet with each semester before registration for classes.