Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell prepares students to understand weather systems, forecast atmospheric conditions, investigate climate change, and analyze air pollution through scientific observation and data analysis. Combining mathematics, physics, chemistry, and hands-on atmospheric research, the program suits students who are curious about weather and climate and want to pursue careers in forecasting, broadcast meteorology, environmental consulting, scientific research, or government agencies.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum builds from foundational mathematics and physical sciences to advanced meteorology, weather prediction, climate analysis, and atmospheric research. Students complete a minimum of 120 credits, including major-specific courses and electives.

Year 1: Foundations of Weather and Atmospheric Science

Students establish a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences through courses such as Calculus I, Calculus II, and Chemistry I, including its laboratory component. They also begin exploring meteorology through Weather Forecasting Seminar, which introduces the principles and practical challenges of interpreting weather conditions and developing forecasts.

Year 2: Understanding Atmospheric Processes

Students strengthen their scientific and quantitative skills through courses such as Atmospheric Science Lab, Meteorological Analysis Lab, and advanced mathematics courses, including Calculus III and Differential Equations. Coursework in earth systems and physics helps them understand how the atmosphere interacts with the broader Earth system, while programming introduces computational methods useful for scientific analysis.

Year 3: Weather Systems, Climate, and Forecasting

Students explore advanced atmospheric processes through Methods in Meteorology, Synoptic Meteorology, and Atmospheric Thermodynamics. They also study The Climate System, Operational Numerical Weather Prediction, and Satellite and Radar Meteorology, learning how meteorologists use atmospheric observations, remote sensing, and numerical models to understand weather patterns and predict changing conditions.

Year 4: Advanced Forecasting and Professional Practice

In their final year, students develop specialized expertise through courses such as Atmospheric Dynamics, Advanced Dynamics, and Intro to Operational Numerical Weather Prediction. They can also study Satellite and Radar Meteorology and Air Pollution, while the Internship: Atmospheric Science course provides an opportunity to connect academic knowledge with professional practice.

Focus Areas

Meteorology, weather forecasting, atmospheric dynamics, climatology, climate variability and change, air pollution and pollution control, numerical weather prediction, satellite and radar meteorology, atmospheric thermodynamics, and scientific data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to explain the physical and chemical processes that shape Earth systems, apply meteorological and atmospheric dynamics concepts to weather forecasting, analyze climate patterns and climate change impacts, evaluate air pollution and its control, critically assess scientific data, and demonstrate computational, quantitative, and effective oral and written communication skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program meets the educational requirements for federaly employed meteorologists, providing a relevant academic foundation for careers in government meteorological services and related scientific fields. The official program page does not identify a specific external professional accreditation for the degree, so no additional accreditation should be claimed.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UMass Lowell highlights its program as the only atmospheric science and meteorology major at a public university in Massachusetts. The university also reports a median annual salary of $143,000 for bachelor's degree holders in New England, based on Lightcast data from 2025, as presented on the program page. This is a regional salary benchmark, not a guaranteed starting salary for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UMass Lowell, students gain practical experience by observing real atmospheric conditions, collecting weather measurements, analyzing meteorological data, and using forecasting tools employed by professionals. The program combines field measurements, laboratory activities, research opportunities, and access to advanced weather visualization technology to help students connect scientific theory with real-world weather and climate challenges. Specific opportunities and resources include:

Campus weather station: Students take atmospheric measurements and examine real-world weather conditions using the university's weather observation facilities.
Radiosonde system: Students gain exposure to atmospheric measurement techniques using radiosonde equipment, which collects weather data at different altitudes.
Digital Weather Wall: This high-resolution display supports real-time weather forecasting and analysis of weather and climate patterns.
Radar and satellite data: Students work with meteorological observations and remote-sensing data to investigate atmospheric conditions and weather systems.
Weather models and numerical forecasting: Coursework in Operational Numerical Weather Prediction introduces computational models used to analyze atmospheric conditions and develop forecasts.
Atmospheric science laboratories: Courses such as Atmospheric Science Lab and Meteorological Analysis Lab provide practical opportunities to investigate atmospheric processes and interpret observations.
Research with faculty: Students can participate in faculty research involving global and regional weather and climate modelling, forecasting, and extreme weather events.
Internship opportunities: The program includes Internship: Atmospheric Science (ATMO.4930), allowing students to gain professional experience related to their studies.
Student organizations: The UMass Lowell Weather Center and the American Meteorological Society student organization offer opportunities to engage with meteorology, weather communication, and professional interests.
Career-connected experiences: Through the UMass Lowell Guarantee, first-time, first-year students have the opportunity to pursue at least one career-connected experience, such as an internship, co-op, service-learning placement, or study-abroad experience, before graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science prepares graduates to investigate weather patterns, forecast atmospheric conditions, analyze climate trends, and contribute to decisions involving environmental risks. Graduates can pursue opportunities in government meteorological services, broadcast media, aviation, scientific research, and private-sector consulting, while those interested in specialized research can continue to graduate-level study.

Potential career paths include: Meteorologist, Weather Forecaster, Broadcast Meteorologist, and Atmospheric Scientist.

Career development services: UMass Lowell's Career and Co-op Center provides career advising, job and internship preparation, and access to employment outcome information to help students plan their professional development.
Employment outcomes: UMass Lowell reports that 94.81% of undergraduate respondents in its Class of 2025 First-Destination Career Outcome Study achieved a positive outcome, including employment, continuing education, military service, or volunteer service. This is a university-wide statistic rather than a program-specific employment rate.
Salary information: The program page lists a median annual salary of $143,000 for bachelor's degree holders in New England, using Lightcast 2025 data. This figure should be treated as a regional benchmark, not as the expected starting salary for every meteorology graduate.
Government and industry opportunities: Potential employers include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Weather Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, commercial aviation companies, television weather departments, and private consulting firms. These are career destinations identified by the university, not necessarily formal partners of the program.
Research experience: Faculty-led research in weather and climate modelling, forecasting, and extreme events can help students develop the analytical skills needed for scientific and research-oriented roles.
Professional alignment: The degree meets the educational requirements for federally employed meteorologists, which can be valuable for graduates pursuing relevant federal positions. Applicants should check the specific requirements of each job.
Graduation outcomes: The university publishes first-destination outcomes and identifies meteorology and atmospheric science among its programs. However, a separate program-specific employment rate and salary figure should not be inferred where the published data do not establish one.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a master's degree in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Climate Science, or a related discipline to develop advanced expertise in forecasting, climate modelling, remote sensing, or atmospheric research. Students interested in academic careers or specialized scientific research may continue to a Ph.D. UMass Lowell also offers a bachelor's-to-master's pathway that can allow eligible students to complete both a B.S. and an M.S. in five years, subject to the program's academic requirements.