BS Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at University of Colorado Boulder

Programme overview

The Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) Bachelor of Science degree is for students interested in an in-depth understanding of the physical basis for the role of the atmosphere and oceans in Earth's climate system. An ATOC degree will prepare students to pursue a wide range of careers in areas as diverse as the energy sector, insurance, military, air and water quality monitoring, weather and aerospace industries. It will provide a solid foundation for advanced degrees in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences and for professions in scientific research and academia.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences | Location: Boulder, CO, United States

What you will study

Graduation with a BS in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences will require the completion of the curriculum presented below, consisting of 120 credit hours passed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.000 or higher. Sample listed courses: ATOC 1050 Weather and the Atmosphere; ATOC 1060 Our Changing Environment: El Nino, Ozone, and Climate; ATOC 2050 Introduction to Atmospheric Research; ATOC 2500 Special Topics in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences - Lower Division.

Career pathways

An ATOC degree will prepare students to pursue a wide range of careers in areas as diverse as the energy sector, insurance, military, air and water quality monitoring, weather and aerospace industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Undergraduate admission is to CU Boulder and the College of Arts and Sciences, not directly to the major; university and college admission requirements apply.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year applicants may enter in fall, spring or summer: the early action deadline of 15 November and regular decision deadline of 15 January apply to fall and summer entry; the spring deadline is 1 October. Transfer applicants may enter in spring (deadline 1 October), summer (15 March) or fall (final deadline 1 June).

SAT and ACT scores are not required for first-year applicants; scores may be self-reported if the applicant wants them considered.

First-year deadlines: spring 1 October; fall and summer early action 15 November; fall and summer regular decision 15 January. Applications are made through the Common Application. The application fee is $65 for domestic applicants and $70 for international applicants; fee waivers can be requested on the Common Application.

Transfer deadlines: spring 1 October; summer and fall early notification 15 March; fall final deadline 1 June. The 2027 transfer application is open.

Apply through the official page: https://www.colorado.edu/admissions

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