Program Details

Atmospheric Sciences, BS

Bachelor of Science

George Mason University

The undergraduate program in atmospheric sciences gives students a strong Green Leafquantitative undergraduate education in atmospheric, climate, and related sciences to understand the basic principles behind current and emerging issues in weather, climate variability, and climate change. Students completing the atmospheric sciences degree will be prepared for a full range of career paths including forecast and analysis, operations and research support in meteorology, numerical weather prediction, data analytics, and climate. The curriculum meets the American Meteorological Society's recommendations for a bachelor's degree in atmospheric sciences.

Outcomes

Students will apply mathematical tools to study atmospheric processes. -Students will construct and interpret weather charts, maps, and diagrams. -Students will demonstrate knowledge of the physical laws governing the structure and evolution of atmospheric phenomena spanning a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. -Students will demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, and communicate research in the atmospheric sciences. -Students will demonstrate ability to integrate atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics into an understanding of how the climate has changed and may change in the future. -Students will demonstrate the ability to apply advanced mathematical and computational methods to simulation and analysis of atmospheric phenomena.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes	Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/atmospheric-oceanic-earth-sciences/atmospheric-sciences-bs/#requirementstext
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Richard Bland College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: George Mason University

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year. Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries. Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students. Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 470+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
First Year Student Catalog Year	Determined by first semester of enrollment
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://go.gmu.edu/GAA

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Physical Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
19-2021.00	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1051.00	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9121.01	Clinical Research Coordinators	Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.	Management Occupations
19-4099.00	Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other	All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.00	Natural Sciences Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.	Management Occupations
19-4099.01	Quality Control Analysts	Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4099.03	Remote Sensing Technicians	Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.02	Water Resource Specialists	Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$5,196	Per Semester	$41,568	$0	$41,568	Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee	$1,914	Per Semester	$15,312	0	$15,312	Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $159.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
  Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
  Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:
  George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.