Atmospheric Sciences Department

Building on a core foundation in atmospheric and environmental science, UNC Asheville students can choose from several concentrations to align their studies with their specific interests and career goals. These options include Broadcast Meteorology, Weather Forecasting, and Climatology. Each concentration features a focused set of courses that prepares students for the complex work they’ll do in the field—whether that’s communicating weather information to the public, analyzing storm systems, modeling climate patterns, or contributing to emergency response and climate resilience efforts.

Outside the classroom, Atmospheric Sciences students at UNC Asheville gain hands-on experience through the university’s weather station, tower camera, and real-time data networks, giving them direct access to professional-grade forecasting and climate analysis tools. Students learn to collect, visualize, and interpret atmospheric data while connecting local observations to broader climate patterns. Opportunities like these, combined with collaborative spaces such as The Cloud living-learning community, create an environment where classroom lessons come alive and students build both technical skills and professional relationships.

UNC Asheville’s Atmospheric Sciences program offers scholarships that ease financial burdens and recognize achievement, including the Kate Sweely Fund and Memorial Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and the Asheville AMS Scholarship, which support needs like textbooks, conference travel, academic excellence, and professional development.