Atmospheric & Earth Sciences at SCSU

Our hands-on programs encompass a broad range of interdisciplinary fields built on a foundation of physical sciences and mathematics with faculty working closely with students to prepare them for productive careers or for continued study at the graduate level. Our programs include:

• Meterology (B.S.) - Explore the science of weather, climate, and the atmosphere through a combination of cutting-edge technology and field experience. SCSU’s Meteorology program offers access to advanced forecasting tools, weather stations, and data analysis systems used by professional meteorologists. Students gain hands-on experience through student research projects. Our graduates are well-prepared for careers in weather forecasting, climate analysis, broadcasting, and environmental consulting, or for advanced study in atmospheric sciences. This is the only Meteorology program in the state of Minnesota.
  
  
• Earth Science (B.A.) - Uncover the processes shaping our planet, from earthquakes and volcanoes to oceans, glaciers, and climate systems. The Earth Science program blends classroom learning with immersive fieldwork, giving students opportunities to study Minnesota’s unique landscapes and beyond. Students learn to analyze natural systems using modern geospatial tools and environmental monitoring techniques. Career paths include paleontology, environmental consulting, resource management, and positions with state and federal agencies (such as the Minneosta DNR and PCA) or continued education in geology, hydrology, and related fields.
  
  
• Earth & Space Science Education (B.S.) - Inspire the next generation of scientists by combining your passion for Earth and space systems with teaching. This program prepares students to become licensed secondary science educators (grades 5-12) with expertise in geology, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. You’ll gain classroom experience through student teaching placements and develop strategies to make science engaging and accessible. Graduates are in high demand across Minnesota and beyond, entering careers in secondary education, outreach, and informal science education in museums and planetariums.

Our faculty provide an excellent learning environment for students through the use and assessment of a variety of learning experiences including formal class work, laboratory and field work, learning through peer interaction, undergraduate research, and internships, while always being open to new and improved forms of learning.

Facilities such as the Husky Weather Center, the Granite City Weather Studio, and the SCSU Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Collection allow for students to engage in a dynamic and hands-on learning experience.

Senior Research Project

All students graduating from an Atmospheric & Earth Sciences programs complete a capstone project during which they conduct scientific research while working with experts in their preferred content area and then share their results with peers, research mentors, and faculty members. Sample projects include:

• Effective interdisciplinary science communication tools, techniques, and impacts
• Developing tools for teaching meteorology using virtual and augmented reality
• Microphysics studies of raindrops and snowflake measurements
• Meteorological instrument design, construction, and testing
• In-depth case studies involving analysis and modeling of severe weather events
• Assessment of the geologic composition of central Minnesota igneous rock formations.
• Description of fossil flora and fauna of Minnesota.
• Digitization of geology collections at SCSU.
• Verification of fire weather tools using satellite observations
• Outcrop-scale field mapping of granites and basalt dikes at local rock exposures