Earth and atmospheric scientists are curious and passionate about the Earth. They are stewards of the Earth's resources from soils to oceans, atmosphere, and land. Atmospheric Science is the study of meteorology and climate. Meteorology is the focused study of short-term changes in the weather within the stratosphere and troposphere. Climate science concentrates on longer periods of time, from one month to millions of years. Its object is to describe the interaction of the atmosphere with the surface of the earth: oceans, lakes, land, and glaciers. The Atmospheric Science B.S. major requires study in earth and atmospheric processes as well as calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and advanced work in the life and physical sciences. A degree in Atmospheric Sciences will position you to address such pressing issues as renewable energy and natural resources, environmental pollution, global climate change (especially warming), severe weather and its consequences, and natural hazard assessment and preparedness (earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, for example).