Professionals in the atmospheric sciences have the chance to apply their knowledge to important societal issues such as resource planning, environmental analysis, protection of health and property, improvement in water management and agricultural productivity, and energy conservation. Employment prospects in this field are expanding rapidly due to the recognition by both public agencies and private companies that weather, climate and air pollution has a strong impact on economic development, insurance risk, human and animal health, ecosystem stability, public safety, recreation and quality of life.

Research and Internships

Students pursuing a B.S. (or Minor) degree in the Atmospheric Sciences have many opportunities to combine their studies with outdoor studies, laboratory-based research, computer-based modeling and other types of active learning with mentorship by the faculty and scientists. Examples of these activities include internships and student research projects in the Desert Research Institute (DRI) Division of Atmospheric Sciences offices in Reno and Las Vegas, in the UNR Department of Physics and other departments, internships with agencies such as the federal National Weather Service and state/county environmental offices, and employment with environmental consulting businesses.

Career Opportunities

• Cloud Physics (formation and interactions of water droplets, rain and snow in cloud systems)

• Fire Weather (fire prediction; thunderstorm and lightning climatologies)

• Renewable Energy (assessing wind and solar power resources; designing energy systems)

• Airflow Modeling (mountain wave dynamics; wind shear hazards to aircraft)

• Computer-Based Weather Prediction (forecast model development and validation)

• Air Quality Monitoring and Improvement (air sampling methods; advising on national emissions standards)

• Weather Modification (snowpack augmentation; pollution effects on precipitation physics)

• Atmospheric Chemistry (smog and visibility problems; health risks; ozone and greenhouse gas effects)

• Remote Sensing (satellite observation and interpretation; estimation of cloud and atmospheric properties)

• Aviation (flight training ; physics of turbulence and icing ; aircraft instrument development)