Challenging Coursework
Real-world impact
At CMU you won’t just sit in a classroom, you’ll tackle engaging and challenging coursework that meets national and international standards, gain hands-on experience, and graduate ready to thrive in a competitive career.
Whether you’re tracking storms, solving environmental challenges, or studying the planet’s critical resources, our programs are designed to challenge you and prepare you for success.
Standout programs. Competitive advantages
Meteorology
Meets the highest standards – Our program follows National Weather Service (NWS), American Meteorological Society (AMS), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines, making CMU graduates qualified for any professional meteorologist position.
Advanced technical training – You’ll gain experience with atmospheric modeling and numerical weather prediction, giving you a technical edge in forecasting and research.
Broadcast career preparation – Interested in TV weather? Students build on-air experience through a dedicated broadcasting class, CMU’s News Central 34 student-run station, and our departmental broadcast practice studio.
Environmental Science
Industry-recognized credentials – Coursework includes ASTM protocols and certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour training, making graduates highly sought after by employers in the public and private sectors.
Professional growth – You’ll strengthen communication, problem-solving, and project management skills through internships, fieldwork, directed research, and project-based learning.
Career-ready experience – From 2017 to 2025, 92% of graduates completed internships or directed research before graduation, entering the workforce with real-world skills.
Geology
Relevant and future-focused – Build a solid foundation in water and energy resources, with courses covering critical resources for the energy transition.
Small class sizes, big opportunities – Get individualized faculty mentorship, specialized advising, and unique field trips to geological repositories, drilling sites, active and historic mines, and exploration sites.
Proven results – 86% of CMU students who took the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam passed, far exceeding the national passing rate of 65%.
Prepared for success
All freshmen and transfer students in Meteorology and Environmental Science complete professional development coursework to introduce them to field expectations and set them up for success.
Senior-level Geology and Environmental Science students receive one-on-one career mentorship from specialists in their chosen fields.
Our alumni and industry partners help guide program development, keeping coursework aligned with current public-sector and industry trends.
Hands-on learning opportunities
Meteorology – Work directly with radiosondes, hand-held sensors, and other meteorological instruments in class. Gain real-world forecasting experience through Mid Mitten Weather, a student-led organization that provides forecasts to social media and local clients.
Environmental Science – Learn industry-standard techniques in our Environmental Field and Laboratory Analysis course, practicing sampling, analysis, and interpretation.
Geology – All geology coursework integrates lectures and labs, creating a seamless, collaborative, hands-on learning environment.
Student and alumni success
Our students don’t just graduate—they excel.
Meteorology
83% of our graduates are employed or in graduate school in meteorology or related fields.
CMU alumni work as forecasters at all three Michigan NWS Forecast Offices and as broadcast meteorologists at 19 stations across Michigan.
Environmental Science
89% of our graduates are employed or have entered graduate school in environmental science or related fields.
Our students have earn competitive internships with state agencies, research institutes, nonprofits, and major companies.
Geology
Our alumni serve as leaders and senior-level researchers at the Michigan Geological Survey, executives at major corporations, and professors at top universities
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
We'll push you to think critically, gain real-world experience, and graduate with the skills employers and graduate schools are looking for.
