Program: Atmospheric Sciences, BS - George Mason University

Degree Requirements

Atmospheric Sciences Core (24 credits)

CLIM 102 - Introduction to Global Climate Change Science Credits: 4 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
CLIM 111 - Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
CLIM 112 - Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab Credits: 1
CLIM 301 - Weather Analysis and Prediction Credits: 4
CLIM 408 - Senior Research Credits: 3 (fulfills the writing intensive requirement)
CLIM 411 - Atmospheric Dynamics Credits: 3
CLIM 429 - Atmospheric Thermodynamics Credits: 3
PHYS 475 - Atmospheric Physics Credits: 3

Chemistry (4 credits)

CHEM 211 - General Chemistry I Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Natural Science course)
CHEM 213 - General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1

Computer Science (3-4 credits)

Choose one from the following:

CDS 130 - Computing for Scientists Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Information Technology course)
CS 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credits: 4 (An additional information technology ethics course must be taken in order to completely fulfill the Mason Core: Information Technology requirement. Recommended courses include either CDS 151 or CS 105 ).

Options (9 credits)

Students in the atmospheric sciences major will select one of the following options in addition to the required courses above. These options reflect faculty expertise and provide two areas of research emphasis. The options will help in creating educated professionals who have the requisite training to support future weather and climate research, enabling the graduate’s potential for providing substantial societal benefits.

Meteorology Option

This option is designed for students who are primarily interested in weather and weather forecasting. The required classes in this option emphasize atmospheric phenomena, especially those that have the greatest impact on society. In addition to the required courses above, students choosing this option will take the following 9 credits of meteorology courses:

CLIM 312 - Physical Climatology Credits: 3
or GGS 312 - Physical Climatology Credits: 3
CLIM 314 - Severe and Extreme Weather Credits: 3
or GGS 314 - Severe and Extreme Weather Credits: 3
CLIM 319 - Air Pollution Credits: 3
or GGS 319 - Air Pollution Credits: 3

Option Total: 9 credits

Computational Atmospheric Sciences Option

The computational atmospheric sciences option gives students preparation in computational science, mathematics, and elements of numerical modeling in order to undertake quantitative research or operational work in a professional or graduate setting. In addition to the required courses above, students choosing this option will take the following 9 credits:

Option Total: 9 credits

Required Electives (9 credits)

The 9 credits of required electives must be chosen from this list and be independent of courses taken in the selected option (meteorology or computational atmospheric sciences):

CLIM 312 - Physical Climatology Credits: 3 or GGS 312 - Physical Climatology Credits: 3
CLIM 314 - Severe and Extreme Weather Credits: 3 or GGS 314 - Severe and Extreme Weather Credits: 3
CLIM 319 - Air Pollution Credits: 3 or GGS 319 - Air Pollution Credits: 3
CLIM 409 - Research Internship Credits: 3
CLIM 412 - Physical Oceanography Credits: 3
CLIM 429 - Atmospheric Thermodynamics Credits: 3
CLIM 438 - Atmospheric Chemistry Credits: 3
CLIM 440 - Climate Dynamics Credits: 3
CLIM 470 - Numerical Weather Prediction Credits: 3
GEOL 420 - Earth Science and Policy Credits: 3 (Mason Core: Synthesis course)
CDS 251 - Introduction to Scientific Programming Credits: 3
CDS 301 - Scientific Information and Data Visualization Credits: 3
GGS 354 - Data Analysis and Global Change Detection Techniques Credits: 3
GGS 455 - Environmental Impact Assessment Credits: 3
GGS 456 - Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation Credits: 3
MATH 214 - Elementary Differential Equations Credits: 3

Mason Core and Elective Credits (48-49 credits)

In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires an additional 48-49 credits (dependent upon the course chosen for the Computer Science requirement), which may be applied towards any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor’s Degrees , and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.

Mason Core

Please note that some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above.

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Atmospheric Sciences, BS

Degree Requirements

Atmospheric Sciences Core (24 credits)

Chemistry (4 credits)

Computer Science (3-4 credits)

Mathematics (11 credits)

Statistics (3 credits)

Physics (8 credits)

Options (9 credits)

Meteorology Option

Option Total: 9 credits

Computational Atmospheric Sciences Option

Option Total: 9 credits

Required Electives (9 credits)

Mason Core and Elective Credits (48-49 credits)

Mason Core

Foundation Requirements (15-19 credits)

Core Requirements (22 credits)

Synthesis/Capstone Requirement (minimum 3 credits)

Degree Total: Minimum 120 credits