Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 Previous Edition

Meteorology, B.S.


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The primary goal of the Bachelor of Science in Meteorology is to advance our understanding of the atmospheric processes that influence weather and climate. This pursuit inherently involves an interdisciplinary approach through the combination of advanced coursework in mathematics, chemistry, physics, statistics, computer science, geology, earth sciences, and meteorology with emphasis on recent basic and applied research. The program is designed to provide the next generation of meteorologists with sufficient knowledge and skills to: (1) effectively monitor and analyze the atmospheric state across a spectrum of temporal and geospatial scales; (2) provide accurate and timely forecasts of ordinary and severe weather; and (3) address relevant contemporary challenges such as global and region climate change, human interactions with the natural environment, and the development of resilient and sustainable communities. To this end, the core meteorological curriculum is composed of courses that collectively provide a broad treatment of multi-scale atmospheric processes, including atmospheric thermodynamics and physics as well as synoptic, dynamic, and mesoscale meteorology.

Meteorology


The Meteorology program focuses on the atmosphere.  Students pursuing the B.S. degree take courses describing and explaining processes in the atmosphere, with traditional coursework in synoptic, dynamic, physical and boundary layer meteorology.  Ancillary coursework in oceanography, applied climatology, and air quality modeling are also available.  Students majoring in meteorology pursue employment in weather forecasting - private and public, air quality, climatology or atmospheric research.  Students majoring in meteorology pursue employment in government with the National Weather Service or through service in the United States Air Force and careers in industry either through broadcasting or with consulting companies and public utilities.

Degree Requirements


The major comprises a minimum of 71 total credit hours with 35 credit hours of required departmental courses, 9 credit hours of elective departmental courses, and 27 credit hours of required extra-departmental courses.  Students are also encouraged to take additional coursework in related disciplines.  Students enrolled in the program must complete a total of 120 credit hours. 

General Education Courses (37-41 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program 

Foreign Language Requirement (0-8 credit hours)


All students who earn a degree within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of their choice through the 1202 level.  Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  • Completing the required coursework at UNC Charlotte
  • Completing three years of the same foreign language in high school through level three
  • Achieving a satisfactory score on the foreign languages placement test (in Spanish, French, or German)
  • Through approved transfer or transient credit earned at other accredited institutions
  • By transferring in with an A.A., A.S. or A.F.A. degree
  • A combination of the above methods (e.g., placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1201 and completing the 1202 course, completing 1201 and placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1202)

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed to complete the credit hours required for graduation.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours


Cooperative Education Program


Students in the Geography and Earth Sciences programs may obtain practical work experience while pursuing their degrees by participating in the Cooperative Education program.  The work experience is approved by the department and is closely related to the student’s field of study.  The Cooperative Education Program allows qualified students either to alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time work experience or to combine part-time academic study and part-time work during the same semester.  Students who are in good standing with the University, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 30 credit hours are eligible to apply.  Transfer students are required to complete 12 credit hours at the University prior to application. Students interested in learning more about participating in this program should contact the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or the University Career Center.

Honors Program


For details about the Honors Program in Meteorology, visit the program page .

Suggested Curriculum


For the suggested course sequence toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.  Consultation with an advisor is required each semester.

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