Small class sizes, virtually unlimited access to faculty, and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum make UNC Asheville an ideal place to earn your atmospheric sciences degree.
Why Study Atmospheric Sciences at UNC Asheville?
Student Spotlight
“From Studying the Weather to Experiencing the Weather.” A group of 10 UNC Asheville atmospheric sciences students embarked on a 12-day driving journey around the Great Plains of the United States to chase the strongest thunderstorms in existence — supercells.
Abigail Grulick was one of only two UNC Asheville students to receive the North Carolina Space Grant, allowing her to study other planet’s atmospheres and their potential for hosting water.
Weathering the Storm: In 2022, alumni Grant Gilmore (’06) and Tyler Moore (’18) teamed up to cover Hurricane Ian.
“I chose atmospheric science because I was fascinated with severe weather, specifically thunderstorms and tornadoes. Meteorology has been a favorite subject of mine since I was a kid. I decided to learn as much as I could and make a career out of something that I enjoy,”
Alexandra Parker, Class of ’24
Atmospheric Science alumni Evan Fisher ’23 created the Fall Foliage Map a tool that calculates leaf color changes in the United States for every day in the fall.
Outside the Classroom
In our Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences program, we go above and beyond surface-level observations to explore the intricacies of the atmosphere. As an atmospheric science major, you gain a comprehensive understanding of meteorological phenomena, climate dynamics, and atmospheric interactions as you engage in clubs and organizations, internships, and more.
Clubs & Organizations
The UNC Asheville Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society nurtures your career development and encourages you to build lasting connections with your peers. The chapter organizes social gatherings, invites experts in meteorology and climatology to speak, and facilitates professional networking opportunities both within and outside our campus.
Internships
UNC Asheville provides exceptional internship opportunities that can help jump-start your career goals. Previous students completed internships at several highly regarded institutions, including National Weather Service forecast offices in the region, NCEI, The Collider, the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS), NASA, and others.
Meet the Faculty
Faculty members, not teaching assistants, teach our small classes, and unlike larger institutions, our atmospheric sciences department and University focus completely on undergraduate success. Knowledgeable, dedicated, and nationally recognized faculty members emphasize a quality education with close student-faculty interaction.
Christopher Godfrey, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 253 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5160 |
| Email: cgodfrey@unca.edu |
| Personal Website |
Douglas Miller, Ph.D.
Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 250 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5158 |
| Email: dmiller@unca.edu |
| Personal Website |
Evan Couzo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Atmospheric Sciences; Associate Professor of STEM Education
| Office: 256 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6026 |
| Email: ecouzo@unca.edu |
Caitlin Crossett, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 251 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3888 |
| Email: ccrosset@unca.edu |
Sharon Withrow
Department Assistant for Atmospheric Sciences and Chemistry
| Office: 102 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6443 |
| Email: swithrow@unca.edu |
Elaine Godfrey, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 257 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-6617 |
| Email: egodfrey@unca.edu |
Meghan Danahey
Adjunct Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 257 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Email: mhodge@unca.edu |
Tim Owen
Adjunct Professor of Atmospheric Sciences
| Office: 257 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Email: towen@unca.edu |
Huo-Jin (Alex) Huang, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Careers in the Atmospheric Sciences
Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific inquiry, preparing you for a rewarding career in atmospheric research and environmental stewardship. Your concentration area provides valuable context for you to grow your abilities in ways that bring real value to your future workplace. Students may become meteorologists, climate analysts or researchers, weather forecasters, and more. Some of our alumni also pursue graduate degrees to advance their education and career.
UNC Asheville’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences graduates find meaningful and dynamic careers in various fields, including broadcast meteorology, climate science, emergency management, and hurricane specialization.
Related Programs
Embrace Your Passion in UNC Asheville’s Atmospheric Science Major
Our Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences gives you a comprehensive education in real-world contexts and applications of the discipline. Your liberal arts education is enriched by hands-on learning experiences and three specialized concentrations, allowing you to delve deeper into your passions and prepare for your career.
Contact Us
| Department of Atmospheric Sciences |
| Phone: (828) 251-6149 |
| Email: weather@unca.edu |
