The option involves extensive coursework in meteorology, physics, and mathematics, as well as first-hand experience in applying basic concepts to real world situations. Internship programs are available with private industry, the National Weather Service, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition there are regular opportunities to work in University laboratories and the State Climate Office.

The selection of courses and course sequences depends largely upon a student’s career choice. Counselors, instructional administrators and faculty advisor are available to counsel with each student, but it is the student’s final responsibility to choose her or his own course of study. Each of EMCC’s three Academic Divisions provides students ample opportunity to select coursework that will lead to an Associate of Arts Degree that prepares them for transfer to a university.

The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Geography - Meteorology provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to study meteorology and/or climatology. This associate degree will prepare students for employment opportunities in several careers, including forest and conservation workers and air traffic controllers.

Geoscience is an area of science that is becoming more popular as concerns about our environment and our planet move increasingly to the forefront of our daily news. Topics such as climate change, weather abnormalities, and natural disasters are phenomena the geoscientist investigates.