Topics of study in this minor include weather forecasting, climate change, and the predictability of coupled ocean-Green Leafatmosphere-land-variations. Students in physics, math, engineering, and computational sciences may be particularly attracted to this minor because it provides a compelling application of the fundamental methods of analysis learned in their major. Such students are ideal candidates for research in atmospheric science and climate dynamics; the minor will facilitate entry into graduate studies in these fields.

Students in Earth science, geography and geoinformation science, and environmental science may find this minor useful because the atmosphere is an important influence on geography, ecosystems, geological strata, and plays an important role in global change.

This is a Green Leaf program

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: ATMS

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 17

This is a Green Leaf program.

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Core Courses

CLIM 101Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core)3
CLIM 111Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core)3
CLIM 112Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core)1
CLIM 301Weather Analysis and Prediction4
Total Credits11

Electives

Select 6 credits from the following:6
Severe and Extreme Weather
Severe and Extreme Weather
Senior Research (Mason Core)
Physical Oceanography
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric Physics
Total Credits6