Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.: The DTI for this program is 67.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $36115) to the average debt ($24313) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 67.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($36115) against the typical student debt ($24313), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $36115, and with an average student debt of $24313, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.67—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 1288 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other (CIP 40.0499) is a specialized physical science field focused on understanding Earth’s atmosphere, weather systems, climate processes, and the physical forces that drive them. This classification includes flexible or interdisciplinary programs that do not fit squarely within traditional meteorology or atmospheric science majors, allowing institutions to emphasize emerging areas such as climate modeling, environmental monitoring, remote sensing, or applied atmospheric analysis.
For a degree search site, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology represents both scientific rigor and real-world relevance. Weather and climate affect nearly every sector of society—agriculture, aviation, energy, public safety, transportation, and national security. As climate variability increases and extreme weather events become more frequent, professionals trained in atmospheric science are in growing demand. This degree appeals to students who want to combine physics, math, and environmental science to understand and predict complex natural systems that directly impact human life.
What Is an Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Degree?
An Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology degree is a quantitative, physics-based program that studies the behavior of Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with oceans, land surfaces, and human systems. Programs under the “Other” designation often allow for customized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Climate science and climate modeling
- Severe weather and storm analysis
- Environmental or air quality studies
- Remote sensing and satellite meteorology
- Applied meteorology for aviation or energy
Rather than focusing only on daily weather forecasts, this degree emphasizes:
- Physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere
- Mathematical modeling of atmospheric systems
- Data analysis from observations and satellites
- Prediction of weather and climate patterns
- Application of science to real-world decision-making
Universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for weather, climate, and environmental careers
- Train scientists and analysts for government and industry
- Support interdisciplinary research and applied science roles
- Provide strong preparation for graduate study
This degree is especially relevant for students interested in environmental impact, public safety, and climate resilience.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how atmospheric processes shape weather and climate at local, regional, and global scales. You’ll study how energy, moisture, and air movement interact to produce storms, climate patterns, and extreme events. Coursework emphasizes both theory and data-driven analysis.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Atmospheric physics—understanding forces that drive weather systems
- Mathematical modeling—using equations to predict atmospheric behavior
- Data analysis and statistics—interpreting weather and climate data
- Remote sensing and observation—using radar, satellites, and instruments
- Computer modeling and simulation—running forecast and climate models
- Scientific programming—analyzing large environmental datasets
- Critical thinking and forecasting—assessing uncertainty and risk
- Technical communication—explaining forecasts and findings clearly
These skills are transferable to many analytical and data-driven careers.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by program focus, but commonly includes:
- Weather and Forecasting: atmospheric dynamics and prediction
- Atmospheric Thermodynamics: heat, moisture, and energy transfer
- Climate Science: long-term climate patterns and variability
- Severe Weather: thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes
- Cloud Physics and Precipitation: formation of clouds and rain
- Synoptic Meteorology: large-scale weather systems
- Remote Sensing and Radar: satellite and radar analysis
- Air Quality and Atmospheric Chemistry: pollutants and chemical processes
- Numerical Weather Prediction: computer-based forecasting models
Many programs include fieldwork, forecasting labs, or research projects.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology degree prepares students for scientific, technical, and applied roles related to weather and climate. Career outcomes depend on specialization and education level.
Common career paths include:
- Meteorologist or Weather Analyst: forecasting and analysis roles
- Climate Scientist or Analyst: studying long-term climate trends
- Environmental or Air Quality Specialist: monitoring atmospheric conditions
- Remote Sensing or Data Analyst: working with satellite data
- Aviation or Energy Meteorologist: applied forecasting roles
- Research Assistant or Scientist: supporting atmospheric research
- Emergency Management or Risk Analyst: weather-related decision support
- Graduate or Professional School Path: atmospheric science, climate, or environmental studies
Many roles require advanced degrees for research or leadership positions.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in sectors affected by weather and climate:
- Government agencies and national weather services
- Environmental and climate research institutions
- Aviation, transportation, and logistics companies
- Energy and renewable power industries
- Environmental consulting firms
- Media and weather communication outlets
- Universities and research laboratories
Atmospheric scientists often collaborate across disciplines to address environmental challenges.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by role, sector, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level meteorology or analyst roles: often $50,000–$70,000
- Experienced forecasters or climate analysts: commonly $70,000–$100,000
- Senior scientists or specialized experts: can exceed $110,000+
Advanced degrees and specialized expertise increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology is considered academically challenging. Students must be comfortable with calculus, physics, and computer modeling. Coursework involves complex equations, large datasets, and interpreting uncertainty in real-world systems.
The challenge lies in modeling chaotic systems and making predictions under uncertainty.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are fascinated by weather, storms, and climate
- Enjoy math, physics, and data analysis
- Want a science career with real-world impact
- Are interested in environmental resilience and public safety
- Prefer analytical, evidence-based problem-solving
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an atmospheric science or meteorology program:
- Take physics, calculus, and advanced math courses
- Build strong skills in algebra, trigonometry, and statistics
- Learn basic programming or data analysis skills
- Follow weather patterns and scientific weather resources
- Join science or environmental clubs
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other (CIP 40.0499) is a degree for students who want to understand and predict one of Earth’s most complex systems. It blends physics, mathematics, and data science to help society prepare for weather extremes, adapt to climate change, and make informed decisions in an increasingly uncertain environmental future.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor