For Students

Minor in Atmospheric Science

Appalachian’s Atmospheric Science Minor 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 2023 median pay of atmospheric scientists was $92,860 per year and the projected growth rate in jobs is 4% 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 works on aerosol research. He collaborates with professors at other universities to occasionally apply his research in other countries. Contact Dr. Sherman at shermanjp@appstate.edu for more information.