Degrees and Careers in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences for Military & Veterans
The University of Wisconsin-Madison describes Atmospheric and Oceanic Science degrees as the study of "the atmosphere and physical oceanography, their mutual interaction, and their interaction with space and the rest of the earth system."A typical "primary goal" of this degree program is to "understand the atmosphere and ocean for the purpose of predicting the weather," but this type of science includes topics in terrestrial radiation, space, and satellite technology.
What can you do with an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree?
A Degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences provides students with in-depth knowledge of the physical processes of weather and climate. Students will learn how weather and climate affects society and cultures, gain graphical literacy, and fine-tune investigative thinking.A Degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences is typically offered (depending on the school) as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program. This degree isn’t just for aspiring weather forecasters. There are a wide variety of related jobs and career fields for those earning a degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences including:
- Local and State Government
- Federal including NOAA, DOD, and Armed Services
- Media (TV, radio, and others)
- Agri-business
- Shipping
- Aviation
- Researcher
- Academia
Is an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree hard?
Popular introductory courses in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences include:- Weather and the Atmosphere
- Our Changing Environment
- Oceanography
- Aviation Meteorology
- Air Chemistry and Pollution
- Principles of Climate
- Planets and Their Atmospheres
- Mountain Meteorology
- Weather Analysis and Forecasting
- Desert Meteorology
- Wind Energy Meteorology
- Climate Controversies
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics
- Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans
Getting a degree in an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Bachelor’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
A Bachelor’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers students solid foundations in math, science, and the social sciences for this interdisciplinary field of study.A Bachelor’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences supplies graduates with the foundations of success so they are well prepared to seek a job in their chosen career and/or continue on to graduate studies.
Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
- News Correspondent– Work for newspaper, website, or periodical publishers or in television or radio broadcasting and inform the public about news and events as it relates to weather and climate. Median Annual Salary: $46,000.
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician- Monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. Median Annual Salary: $47,000.
- Journalist– Keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information as it relates to weather and climate. Median Annual Salary: $49,000.
- Geological Technician- Support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. Median Annual Salary: $51,000.
- Research Assistant- Assist in laboratory, survey, and other research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist analysis, quality control, or data management. Median Annual Wage: $54,000.
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Master’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
A graduate degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences will help students further develop their research and critical thinking skills.Popular fields of research include:
- Atmospheric Chemistry & Aerosols
- Changes in Hydrologic Extremes Under a Warmer Climate
- Climate & Global Change
- Monsoon Predictability
- Weather Forecasting Models
- Radiation & Remote Sensing
- Tropical Meteorology
- Weather Analysis & Predictability
- Air-Sea Interaction
- Radiative Transfer
- Remote Sensing of Ocean and Atmosphere
- Sea Ice and its Role in Climate
- Atmospheric Technology
- Hydrological Processes
Jobs with a Master’s in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
- Postsecondary Teacher– Instruct students in courses beyond the high school level. Median Annual Salary: $80,000.
- Hydrologist- Study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. Hydrologists work in offices and in the field. Median Annual Wage: $84,000.
- Geoscientist- Study the physical aspects of the Earth. Most geoscientists split their time between working in offices and laboratories, and working outdoors. Median Annual Wage: $94,000.
- Atmospheric Scientist- Study the weather and climate. Most atmospheric scientists work in weather stations, offices, or laboratories. Median Annual Wage: $100,000.
A Doctoral Degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Become the ultimate expert in the field! Students pursuing a Doctorate in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences will have a vast array of knowledge in the field in addition to choosing a specialty in which to become the premier expert. Students studying for a PhD are expected to become published experts in their chosen specialty.Jobs with a PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
- Postsecondary Education Administrator- Oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Median Annual Salary: $98,000.
- Author- Develop written content for various types of media on Atmospheric and Oceanic Science topics. Median Annual Salary: $122,000.
Is an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree worth it?
Absolutely! An Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree supplies students with the foundation for an exciting and profitable career. There are great job opportunities, both close to home across the globe! Use educational entitlements including the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon benefits, scholarships, and grants and students can earn a spectacular degree and an exciting career without spending a dime!GI Bill-approved Schools Offering a Degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Ready to start your Degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:University of Arizona- Offers a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, a Master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences, and a minor in Atmospheric Sciences for its undergraduate degrees. University of Arizona is a GI Bill® approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
University of Colorado at Boulder– Offers a Doctorate of Philosophy in Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies, a Master of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies (ATOC). University of Colorado Boulder has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam.
University of Colorado Boulder is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.