Minor in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences

Our students become skilled critical thinkers who understand atmospheric and oceanic sciences and who apply this knowledge in a range of careers in physics, chemistry and others.

The minor in atmospheric and oceanic sciences (ATOC) is primarily designed for students who are interested in developing a knowledge base in ATOC with an emphasis on the Earth's climate. The program teaches students about the physical processes of weather and climate. Students pursuing the minor in tandem with a major in a quantitative field such as physics or chemistry will be prepared for graduate work in atmospheric and oceanic sciences.

  • Understand influences on the ocean, climate and global climate change
  • Build quantitative problem-solving skills through data analysis, observations and modeling
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

#1 in the world in atmospheric science and earth sciences

(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2020)

CU Boulder is home to the greatest concentration of geophysical researchers in the nation

CU Boulder is a partner with 15+ federal research labs here in Boulder, including NCAR and NOAA

Be successful.

A minor in atmospheric and oceanic sciences allows you to enter the workforce with investigative and critical thinking skills.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 
$94,100

Median salary of atmospheric scientists

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018)

 

Weather and aerospace industries, the energy sector, insurance, military, government, scientific research institutions and academia are common opportunities to apply this minor

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn the minor, students must complete a total of 18 credit hours. There is flexibility within the minor program for students to design a course of study that is tailored to their individual interests.

The ATOC minor is open to all students, but is especially appropriate for: 

  • Environmental studies majors with a climate specialization
  • Physics majors with a concentration in atmospheric physics
  • Environmental aerospace engineering majors

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience. 

ATOC center and institutes include:

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover