Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Academic Department
Understanding how the Earth works is key to protecting it. Our programs prepare students for careers in environmental science, geology, meteorology, and climate studies. You’ll benefit from small class sizes, dedicated instructors and engaging, hands-on science activities. With the Rocky Mountains and Colorado’s unique weather nearby, you’ll have an incredible outdoor classroom to explore and learn from daily.
S4: Your Path to STEM Success
Become an S4 Scholar and gain a scholarship, mentoring, research experience, and internships to grow your STEM skills and launch your career in Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics, or Math.
What Can You Do With Your Degree?
With a degree in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, you can explore many exciting careers. You might study earthquakes and volcanoes, forecast the weather or help fight climate change. Some graduates work to protect the environment, manage natural disasters, or find clean energy solutions. Others teach science, work in museums or help share science with the public. You can also work for the government, in research or at companies focused on the environment. These jobs are growing rapidly, and UNC gives you the skills and experience to get started.
Where Can Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Take You?
A degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences prepares you to understand the Earth, its atmosphere and the environmental systems that affect our communities. You’ll build skills in scientific research, data analysis, fieldwork and problem solving that can lead to careers in weather, climate, geology, water resources and environmental science.
Atmospheric Science and Meteorology
- Weather forecasting
- Climate science
- Severe weather research
- Broadcast and digital meteorology
- Environmental forecasting
- Weather and climate data analysis
Geoscience and Geology
- Geology
- Earth and environmental research
- Natural resource management
- Geologic and environmental consulting
- Geological fieldwork
- Natural hazard assessment
Water and Hydrology
- Water resource management
- Groundwater and surface water research
- Flood and drought analysis
- Water quality
- Environmental consulting
- Hydrologic data and modeling
Climate and Environmental Science
- Climate research and analysis
- Environmental science
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Sustainability
- Environmental monitoring
- Natural resource management
Government, Education and Public Outreach
- Federal, state and local government
- Environmental and natural resource agencies
- Science education
- Museums and science centers
- Public science communication
- Research and outreach
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences professionals help communities understand and respond to weather, climate, water and environmental challenges. Atmospheric scientists use observations, computer models and data to understand weather and climate, while hydrologists study water resources, pollution, drought and flooding. Geoscientists investigate the physical processes and materials that shape the Earth.
At UNC, hands-on research, field experiences and opportunities to study Colorado’s unique environment can help you turn what you learn in the classroom into skills you can use in your career.
Whether you want to forecast the weather, study climate change, protect water resources, investigate the Earth or help solve environmental challenges, an Earth and Atmospheric Sciences degree can give you the scientific foundation and practical experience to move forward.
Why Earth and Atmospheric Sciences?
Exciting Experiences
As an undergraduate, you’ll get the chance to explore science up close through hands-on research in labs and out in the field. Unique classes like Storm-Chasing let you experience real science in action, making your learning exciting and unforgettable.
Student records storm data during a storm chase.
Shape Your Future with Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
If you have an interest in weather patterns, the environment, or Earth sciences, you will find growing career opportunities in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Geology and Meteorology. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills and support necessary to prepare you for success in these important and expanding fields.
Students collecting data at the Little Thompson River
Personalized Learning with Professors Who Bring Global Experience
Our teachers work hard to give you great classes and chances to do real research. Many of them have worked in other countries and bring useful experience to their teaching.
Our upper-level classes are small, with about 10 students, so you get plenty of help and attention.
Tackle Climate Change with our New Climate Science Degree
With a BS in Climate Science, you’ll be ready to take on climate change. You’ll learn how to track environmental changes, help communities adapt, and create real solutions. With hands-on experience and a mix of science and practical skills, you’ll be prepared for jobs in the environment or for graduate school.
Students and professors analyzing storm data.
Voices From Our Program
Forecasting Success: How Rob Craft Found Mentorship and Opportunity at UNC
“I’ve accumulated an extraordinary amount of knowledge and skills that have prepared me for life after UNC. The programs I’ve been part of have given me an exponential boost in confidence, as a scientist and as a person.”
Rob Craft
From Uncertainty to Empowerment: Genevieve’s UNC Journey
“Getting the support I needed was life-changing. I felt seen, heard, and validated—and it gave me the confidence to move forward.”
Genevieve Hankins
Fieldwork, Faculty, and Finding Her Path: Anna’s UNC Journey
“Every professor becomes a friend and mentor. The faculty are incredibly passionate, knowledgeable, and kind. They’ve shaped who I am as a scientist and as a person. Never be afraid to reach out for help. Your department wants to see you succeed. Making those connections will fuel your fire for your field.”
Anna Dispirito
From Adversity to Discovery: A Geology Student’s Journey at UNC
“The EaS has been critical to my success and growth. All of the faculty members in the department create a supportive environment where I could thrive despite personal challenges, and they encouraged me to pursue hands-on experiences like research and fieldwork."
Shandon Miller
News
Energy and Environment Leadership Symposium
Defense of Dissertation, Francis Oluwafunso Fasuyi, Sport and Exercise Science
- September 25 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Gunter Hall, room 2590
Bear Community Social
- September 25 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- University Center Panorama Ballroom
Annual Psychological Sciences Research Forum
- September 29 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
- McKee L150
Beyond the Classroom
The COOLER Way to Fight Climate Change
COmmunity COllaboration and LEarning for climate Resilience program – COOLER for short. COOLER is an interdisciplinary climate education program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) created in 2023 by faculty from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) and the Department of Geography, GIS and Sustainability.
(River) Watch and Learn
Faculty members and students from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), in partnership with the River Management Society (RMS), came together to restore and restart Greeley’s River Watch water quality monitoring site, which had been out of commission since 1998. Now, students interested in river science can earn a certificate in River Studies and Leadership, building hands-on experience in, on and around the Poudre River while helping preserve an important source of water in Northern Colorado. This certificate is a collaboration between the departments of Chemistry, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and Geography, GIS, and Sustainability, representing the kind of real-life interdisciplinary work that many jobs and industries are valuing more than ever.