Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for a major in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences?
Atmospheric Sciences
High school students are encouraged to study as much math, chemistry, physics, computer science, English, and foreign language as possible. These programs are very much math-based, and almost all the core courses are dependent on the student liking and doing well in high-level mathematics and physics. Students in meteorology who are interested in broadcasting are encouraged to enroll in communication courses.
Geology & Geophysics/Environmental Geoscience
Preparation for college should include mathematics and science courses. Curiosity and the ability to analyze and communicate effectively are important. Stamina is required for fieldwork. Often geology and environmental work traverses many borders-foreign language will also be important.
What Career Opportunities Exist?
Atmospheric Science
Supply and demand for meteorologists are about equal. Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of jobs in the private sector as the demand in the NWS has declined. The Air Force typically is in need of officers with a meteorology degree (also offer AFROTC scholarships). Broadcast meteorology continues to grow (although competitive), and growth is expected in the areas of air quality, satellite meteorology, and climatology.
Geology & Geophysics/Environmental Geoscience
There are about 47,000 geoscientists working the U.S. Locations could be in large cities with large corporate offices and labs, on an oil exploration vessel in the sea, or isolated areas with temperatures ranging from a Mid-East desert to Antarctica. 40% will work in the areas of engineering or management; 20% in oil and gas exploration. 1 in 7 will work for an engineering, consulting, or environmental firm or government agency.
Geologists are needed now and in the future. It is expected that there will be employee turnover (especially retirements) during the next decades. The oil and gas industry is cyclic; but environmental concerns are compounding, new technologies need to be developed, and areas such as planetary geology will grow as space missions explore other planets.
Earth/Space Science Teachers
Earth/Space Science teachers are employed in public and private schools at the middle and secondary levels. The employment outlook for science teachers continues to be excellent.
What Scholarships are Available in EAPS?
EAPS offers scholarships from freshman through senior year. The Freshman scholarships are offered to outstanding admitted EAS students. A small number of scholarships for current students are available from companies and private donations. Students interested in research can check with EAS faculty on the availability of funding.
The American Meteorological Society also offers a few scholarships. High school students eligible for an AMS freshman scholarship must apply to the AMS before February of the year they plan to start college. Their web site is http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS
With What Clubs or Organizations Can I Get Involved?
There are over 1000 student run clubs and organizations at Purdue University. Click on Student Organizations to find about the ones specifically geared to majors in EAPS.