Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Learn beyond the classroom
From launching weather balloons and analyzing severe storms to conducting environmental site assessments and exploring active mines and quarries, you'll gain practical experience throughout your degree.
Our students participate in:
- Weather forecasting through Mid Mitten Weather
- Geological field trips and field camp
- Environmental assessments using industry standards
- Faculty-led research projects
- Internships and field experiences across the country
Small classes. Personalized mentorship.
You'll work closely with faculty who know your name and your career goals.
Our geology program's small class sizes create opportunities for individualized advising, collaborative learning, independent research, and meaningful faculty connections.
Students in geology and environmental science receive direct mentorship from alumni working in their chosen specialty through a required professional development course.
Programs built with employers in mind
Our curriculum is shaped by industry needs and professional standards.
- Meteorology coursework meets National Weather Service, American Meteorological Society and World Meteorological Organization requirements.
- Environmental Science coursework aligns with public-sector and consulting industry expectations.
- Geology coursework prepares students for careers in water resources, energy, environmental consulting and emerging critical mineral industries.
An active alumni advisory board helps ensure our programs evolve alongside workforce demands.
Graduate ready for careers that matter
Our students graduate prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education.
- Career preparation includes:
- Résumé and interview development
- Professional development courses
- Internship experiences
- Research opportunities
- Industry certifications
- Alumni networking events
Find your path
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Why choose Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at CMU?
Meteorology
Become a meteorologist from day one
Our meteorology curriculum meets the standards required for positions titled "meteorologist" without requiring additional coursework after graduation.
You'll gain experience through:
- Operational forecasting
- Weather balloon launches
- Atmospheric modeling
- Severe weather field projects
- Broadcast meteorology training
- Student-run forecasting services
Our graduates are prepared for careers in forecasting, broadcasting, research, government service and graduate study.
Environmental Science
Solve real environmental challenges
Our environmental science students learn through project-based coursework, internships, independent research and field experiences with a curriculum is designed to meet workforce needs in:
- Environmental consulting
- Government agencies
- Natural resource management
- Environmental compliance
- Sustainability
You'll also learn industry-relevant methods including ASTM standards for Environmental Site Assessment and can pursue HAZWOPER-40 certification.
Geology
Explore Earth through hands-on discovery
Our geology students combine classroom learning, laboratory analysis and field experiences throughout the curriculum.
As a student you'll visit:
- Geological repositories
- Active and historic mines
- Drilling sites
- Quarries
- Exploration projects
Faculty-supported research opportunities will allow you to publish scientific papers and present at regional, national and international conferences.
Meteorology by the numbers
- 83% of graduates either move directly into meteorology related careers or continue on to graduate school
- CMU alumni work in all National Weather Service offices in Michigan
- 19 alumni currently work as television broadcast meteorologists across Michigan
Environmental science by the numbers
- 97% of CMU environmental science graduates transition directly into degree-related careers or graduate school, with 100% achieving employment or graduate school placement within one year of graduation.
- Our graduates build successful careers throughout the environmental sciences profession, serving in consulting, government, nonprofit, and municipal sectors.
- Nearly 70% of internship participants have earned exemplary evaluations
Geology by the numbers
- 86% pass rate on the Fundamentals of Geology exam, compared with a 65% national average
- More than 90% of students earned A or B grades in field camp during the past five years
- Students regularly earn American Institute of Professional Geologists awards and scholarships
Career Readiness Starts Here
Professional development built into every program
Our students develop skills employers want:
- Scientific communication
- Data analysis
- Team collaboration
- Technical field and laboratory methods
- Résumé and interview preparation
- Professional networking
Every geology and environmental science student completes a professional development course featuring individualized alumni mentorship.
EAS students regularly connect with employers and graduates through alumni and career networking events.
Hands-On Learning That Sets You Apart
Real experience. Real skills. Real confidence.
At CMU you can:
- Launch weather balloons and collect atmospheric data
- Produce operational weather forecasts
- Conduct environmental site assessments
- Earn HAZWOPER-40 certification
- Complete independent research projects
- Present at professional conferences
- Publish scientific research
- Participate in field research across the United States
Student success
- Meteorology - 83% of grads are employed directly in the field or continue on to graduate school
- Meteorology - CMU alumni employed at all Michigan National Weather Service forecast offices
- Meteorology - 19 alumni working in Michigan broadcasting
- Environmental Science - 36+ internship placements since 2017
- Geology - 86% ASBOG pass rate vs. 65% national average
- Geology - 90%+ earned A/B grades in field camp
Research that matters
Our students work alongside faculty investigating:
- Severe weather forecasting
- Climate variability
- Environmental contamination
- Water resources
- Critical minerals and energy transition resources
- Geological processes
- Atmospheric modeling
College of Science and Engineering News
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Events
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CMU Alumni and Friends at Keyworth Stadium
38th Grand Traverse Scholarship Golf Outing
