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

  • climate science

    Climate Science

    As a Climate Science major at Iowa State, you’ll learn the fundamentals of climate science while specializing in an area that fits your interests and career goals. Your study may include: advanced climate science; data visualization; design and planning for sustainability; climate, food, agriculture, and biodiversity; policy and human behavior or science communication.

  • geology 2

    Geology and Earth Science

    Prepare for a professional career and/or graduate study in the geological sciences. Understand natural processes on Earth and other planets then apply your knowledge of forces and factors that shape the Earth to reconstruct past environments and anticipate future problems.

  • meteorology

    Meteorology

    Develop a broad understanding of the fundamental physical and dynamic processes governing the motions and behavior of the atmosphere as a fluid system. Basic courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics are prerequisites to the meteorology program and are considered the foundation courses on which the meteorology program is built.

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

Minor in Geology

A minor in Geology can enhance careers in environmental science, physical sciences, engineering or agronomy. Courses include Geology 100 and 100L (or 201), 102 and 102L, and additional credits at the 300-level or above for a total of 15 credits. A total of 9 credits must be unique to the minor and cannot be counted for both the major and the minor field of study. The minor will appear on the undergraduate transcript.

Minor in Meteorology

The department offers a minor in Meteorology which may be earned by completing 15 credits including Mteor 111, Mteor 206 and Mteor 301. Note that only one credit of Mteor 111 and no credits of Mteor 324 can count toward the minor. Further information concerning programs of study, including sample degree programs, is available from the department.

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