Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Degree
With this degree, you will explore the mysteries of weather and how it impacts our lives. Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of meteorology, air quality control, emergency management, and so much more.
Saving people and property through weather forecasting
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Program Highlights
Course catalogFeatured Courses
Global Environmental Change
Aquatic Ecology & Watershed Management
Air Quality
Radar Meteorology
Atmospheric Dynamics
Application Deadline
January
15
Academic Excellence
Faculty and StaffPrepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge curriculum, research, practical applications,
and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors bring to the field. Get ready
to embark on a journey of discovery and advancement as you learn.
Adam French, Associate Professor
My interest in the weather and meteorology began at a young age, reading books about
tornadoes and experiencing nor’easters and the occasional hurricane growing up in
Connecticut. In my research, I try to answer the question of why thunderstorms “behave”
a certain way under certain conditions and how we can use this information to make
better forecasts of when these storms will produce hazardous weather.
William Capehart, Associate Professor
I am the program director of the Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program and
do research in hydrometeorology, forecast risk assessment and climate change.I am
interested in developing tools to examine the role of land cover, vegetation and subsurface
processes on the hydrologic cycle.
Expand your Horizons
Career ServicesTake advantage of internship opportunities and research experiences to test-drive
different industries to find the best fit for your interests.
Potential Employers
NASA
Environmental Protection Agency
National Weather Service
U.S. Department of Defense
Career Examples
Operational meteorology (weather forecasting)Atmospheric research
Broadcast meteorology
Environmental consulting
Industrial and commercial forecasting
Average Starting Salary
$50,000My favorite part of my National Weather Service internship was launching weather balloons and practicing my forecasting skills using the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System. I also learned how to send information to decision-makers during weather events and how to process a severe storm warning.
Research Labs & Centers
Research Opportunities
Work with our renowned faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address
real-world challenges. The hands-on experience and expertise you will acquire here
will not only contribute to your academic growth but also prepare you for successful
careers in academia, industry, or government agencies.
If air quality and ecology fascinate you, our air quality and convection in the atmosphere
research may be just what you’re looking for.
Since weather, climate, and the environment intersect across society, our goal at
South Dakota Mines is to produce a “weather-&-environment-ready graduate” to make
a “weather-&-environment-ready nation” who can guide stakeholders in our communities
and industry to plan and prepare for the future whether it’s tomorrow or years ahead.
No matter your chosen path, you’ll be equipped for a career that addresses the significant
weather, ecological, and climate issues of our time, positively impacting our communities,
nation, and world.