College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate
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Majors and Minors

climate science class taking hydrology readings

New Climate Science Major

Climate change impacts our world everywhere we look — global environmental and ecological systems, agricultural systems and food security, human health, water availability, migrations, and economic systems. In the face of extreme events such as flooding, heat waves, or widespread crop failures, communities and businesses urgently need professionals who can address these challenges and communicate about them.

Majors

  • Students taking measurements and readings in climate science class

    Climate Science

    A degree in climate science prepares you to address climate challenges facing society through diverse training in science, policy, sustainability, and communication.

  • Student standing in front of a tent examining a specimen

    Earth Science

    A degree in earth science equips you to evaluate Earth’s systems’ past, present, and future and address critical environmental challenges.

  • Several students examining a rock formation on a field trip

    Geology

    A degree in geology emphasizes the processes that have shaped the planet for eons, and give rise to geological resources and hazards.

  • Instructor and students in a classroom

    Meteorology

    A degree in meteorology provides a fundamental understanding of the physical and dynamic processes that govern the motions and behavior of the atmosphere as a fluid system, as well as their effects on weather and climate.

Breea Lisko

Whether helping the United States Space Force launch satellites into orbit, forecasting weather for Air Force and Army air and ground missions, or keeping Department of Defense leaders apprised of global environmental impacts to their operations, the skills and abilities I developed as a meteorology student at Iowa State are fundamental to my success in safeguarding our military warriors.

Breea Lisko, B.S. Meteorology 2000, Distinguished Alumni Award recipient 2021

Minors

Add a minor in earth science, geology, or meteorology to an existing major to deepen your experience and expertise in the geosciences.

Minor in Geology

A minor in geology can deepen your expertise about Earth materials, resources, and hazards. The minor can enhance majors in environmental science, physical sciences, engineering, or agronomy with geotechnical knowledge.

Minor in meteorology

A minor in meteorology covers the fundamentals of weather, climate, and atmospheric processes and pairs well with LAS majors in math or physics. The minor prepares students for careers in risk assessment or insurance, where a working knowledge of meteorology is a plus.

Minor in paleontology

A minor in Paleontology offers insights into how the Earth and its ecosystems co-evolved. This degree path connects geology to other disciplines, including Biology and Anthropology, and is a great add-on for LAS majors. The program covers the fundamentals of Paleontology and can be a gateway for careers or further education where a knowledge of the fossil record or fossil deposits is needed.

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