Atmospheric Science Occupational Possibilities
Atmospheric science majors possess skills applicable to numerous work settings. While many graduates pursue careers with the National Weather Service or in broadcasting, many other career options are available.
The following list, compiled from national data and from Major Options by Nicholas Basta (1991, New York: The Stonesong Press), presents a sampling of such positions that atmospheric science majors sometimes accept. Some of the listed occupations, such as special effects artist, require additional skills, knowledge, or training. Advanced graduate study is generally expected for those positions marked with a * on the list.
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Research and Technical |
Education & Government |
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*Aerospace engineer |
*Professor |
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Instrument maker |
National Weather Service forecaster |
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Photographer |
*Special librarian |
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*Research scientist |
Museum exhibits planner |
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Computer programmer |
Cartographer |
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*Optical design specialist |
Military officer |
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Mathematical technicial |
Aquarist |
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Air traffic controller |
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Communications |
Business |
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Technical writer |
Navigation equipment specialist |
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Educational television adivsor |
Flight management analyst |
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System support representative |
Special effects artist |
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Information specialist |
Sales, technical equipment |
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Newspaper science writer |
*Environmental scientist/engineer |
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Broadcaster, television/radio |
Agricultural consultant |
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Media specialist |
Skills and Abilities
The study of atmospheric science includes the development of skills in a variety of areas. Technical and communication skills, knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and physics, and forecasting and expectation are all examples of fields which may be included in an atmospheric science major. The skills listed below are representative of those developed by atmospheric science majors that are transferable to various occupational fields.
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Investigation |
Technical |
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Defining a research problem |
Designing equipment |
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Developing a research model |
Identifying and classifying materials and specimens |
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Establishng hypotheses |
Observing data/things |
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Gathering/analyzing data |
Establishing and controlling experimental designs |
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Evaluating ideas |
Designing/using computer simulations |
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Seeing relationships among factors |
Using instruments |
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Drawing meaningful conclusions |
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Projecting outcomes based on data |
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Communication |
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Developing and writing research proposals |
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Reviewing technical literature |
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Summarizing research findings |
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Informing/explaining/instructing |
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Preparing technical reports |
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Public speaking |
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Computation and Mathematical |
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Measuring distances/sizes/relationships |
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Performing calculations |
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Mathematical modeling |
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Maintaining records |
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Utilizing mathematical formulas |
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