Minor in Atmospheric Science
Appalachian’s Atmospheric Science minor (see the 2025-26 Undergraduate Bulletin) is an interdisciplinary program that can help prepare students for graduate study and professional careers in meteorology, climate science, and atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Job opportunities and career options in the atmospheric sciences are very diverse, including:
- Broadcast meteorology
- Renewable energy siting and forecasting
- Seasonal climate forecasting
- Climate modeling
- Air quality forecasting and monitoring
- Instrumentation specialist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2024 median pay of atmospheric scientists was $97,450 per year and the projected growth rate in jobs is 6% per year over the next ten years.
Research Opportunities
The Physics and Astronomy department at Appalachian State University is active in providing research opportunities to students who are seeking them. Below is a list of research opportunities different professors are doing at AppalAIR.
Dr. James Sherman
Dr. James Sherman heads the AppalAIR program, where he leads student research in atmospheric aerosol sciences. Collaborating with prestigious institutions such as Georgia Tech, Dr. Sherman and his students present their research at numerous national and international conferences, including the European Aerosol Conference (EAC). This hands-on research provides students with valuable engineering experience, along with opportunities in data analysis and presentation. For more information or if you're interested in participating, please contact Dr. Sherman at shermanjp@appstate.edu .