Summary
The Hydrology and Atmospheric Science major provides students with a fundamental knowledge of the water cycle, from below the Earth's surface to above Earth's surface, in both theory and application. Students in the HAS major choose an emphasis in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (ATMO) or Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources (EHY). Students who select the emphasis in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences study various weather, climate, and water phenomena, and interpret the effects of these phenomena on Earth's surface and society. Students who select the Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources emphasis learn to solve practical hydrologic problems related to surface and subsurface water, drought, flooding, and water quality.
Learn how atmospheric science and hydrology are related
Eligible students who wish to complete both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees may pursue the Accelerated Master's Program in Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources, a five-year program, which combines both the B.S. HAS degree (EHY emphasis) and M.S. degree in Hydrology OR the Accelerated Master's Program in Atmospheric Sciences, a five-year program which combines both the B.S. HAS degree (ATMO emphasis) or B.S. Physics degree and M.S. degree in Atmospheric Science.
Emphasis in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
The Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences emphasis will allow students to focus on various weather, climate, and hydrometeorological phenomena that impact out daily lives, property, businesses, military operations, and even physical and mental health. Areas of application for Meteorology and Atmospheric Science occur in the topics of weather/climate analysis, atmospheric chemistry, radiation and remote sensing, climate change, severe weather, and planetary science. One of the unique parts of this plan of study includes the link to what happens when precipitation hits the Earth's surface as well. Students will participate in various hydrology courses in order to fully understand the impacts of precipitation on the ground. This degree adheres to the requirements of the National Weather Service (NWS), the American Meteorological Society (AMS), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The program allows students to work in the areas of meteorology, forensic meteorology, climate forecasting, solar and wind forecasting, environmental science and conservation, air quality, drought and flood monitoring, insurance, the military, and so much more!
Emphasis in Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources
Hydrology is the science of water. it deals with origin, distribution, and properties of water on Earth and other planets. Hydrologists work to solve water-related problems. They consider water use from a variety of perspectives--social, economic, legal, scientific, and environmental--to determine how differing viewpoints affect the quality and quantity of a community's water supply. They study pollution carried by water--including oceans, rivers, streams, rain, snow, and ice--and devise methods to clean and control it. Some study weather-related problems, such as flood forecasting, drought management, acid rain, and global warming. Others manage water resources so that the goals of all water users are achieved efficiently while protecting the environment.
Curriculum Grids (2024-2025)
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes, course evaluation, and curricular assessment are discussed in the Assessment section.
Contacts
Undergraduate Coordinator, Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources
Martha P.L. Whitaker
Undergraduate Coordinator, Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
