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Where environmental heroes are made
Graduates are set for successful, impactful careers
Graduates are set for successful, impactful careers
Understanding the Earth’s complex systems is more urgent than ever. From predicting severe weather to managing natural resources, experts in earth and atmospheric sciences play a crucial role in safeguarding the future. Developing such knowledge and skills requires not just know-how but real-world experiences.
At the University of Northern Colorado’s (UNC) Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS), that’s precisely the kind of education you’ll earn. EAS prepares you to address live issues in weather, water, and energy through a curriculum that prioritises practical learning.
Located near Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, the university offers easy access to diverse landscapes for fieldwork. Past students have explored the Poudre River, chased thunderstorms on the Great Plains, and deciphered mountain building processes — you’re set to do the same as part of your coursework. These hands-on opportunities, combined with undergraduate research and technical training, give you a competitive edge in the job market. The journey is challenging, but Northern Colorado’s natural beauty will inspire you to learn, explore, and apply your knowledge as you prepare to make a real impact.
42%
of undergraduates are first-generation college student
10:1
student-to-faculty ratio
200+
nationally recognised undergraduate and graduate programmes
140,000+
UNC alumni live and work across 50 states and 90 countries
Learn more about programmes
Meet the Alumni Driving Change
This programme equips you with a strong foundation in physical sciences, including earth and atmospheric science, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. You'll build skills in hydrologic sciences, earth surface processes, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing. With flexible coursework, you can tailor your studies by exploring geography, sustainability, economics, or biological sciences.
This degree opens doors to careers in environmental consulting, land management, municipal and state compliance, and education. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in environmental science.
Environmental Earth Sciences BS
Geology is the study of Earth’s solid and liquid components — rocks, minerals, soil, water, and magma — and how they interact with other Earth systems. In this programme, you’ll explore the physical and chemical processes that shape our planet, from mountain formation and volcanic activity to earthquakes, resource production, and climate evolution.
As you develop a deep understanding of these processes, you’ll also build the skills needed for a career in geoscience or advanced degrees in geology and related fields. Graduates find opportunities in energy and mining, water resource management, natural hazard management, museum curation, and more — applying their knowledge to real-world environmental and geological challenges.
Environmental Earth Sciences BS – Geology Concentration
From Fall 2025, UNC’s Climate Science degree offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the defining issue of our time. This programme sets you up for careers in climate monitoring, management, adaptation, and mitigation.
You’ll be ready for roles in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profits, and NGOs — or for graduate studies in climate science, risk assessment, sustainable development, and environmental policy or law.
Climate Science BS
Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere — how it behaves, the forces that shape it, and its impact on Earth. This programme gives you a strong foundation in meteorology, focusing on practical weather data interpretation and its real-world applications.
With a solid background in the sciences, you’ll be prepared for graduate studies or careers in weather forecasting, risk analysis, broadcast meteorology, weather instrumentation and environmental consulting. Whether predicting storms or analysing climate trends, you'll be ready to seize opportunities in this dynamic field.
Climate Science BS – Meteorology Concentration
Hear from students
“The UNC’s Earth Sciences programme is second to none. The greater Front Range area offers a wide variety of geologic phenomena, and the programme fully utilises the university's optimal location within this region. Each of the Earth Sciences courses incorporates field components which provide students with literal hands-on experiences, truly preparing them for careers beyond the classroom. The knowledge and dedication of professors are exhibited through curriculum development and extracurricular availability. Do yourself a favour and consider pursuing an Earth Sciences degree with the University of Northern Colorado.”
Jake Hooker, Geology, Class of 2019
“As a mother of three, I wish to make this planet better than I found it for their future. The degree I earned in Environmental Science and the community I gained at UNC are significant parts of the legacy I want to build and leave for future generations. I earned a degree that rewards me almost daily in the knowledge and confidence I gained. I made life-long friends who helped me and my children through a divorce (as well as the academics) and I now have the privilege to work in the environmental industry to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and spearhead initiatives to exceed those standards whenever possible.”
Robert Oates,
BA Hons in Asian Studies
Shannon Wiley, Environmental Sciences, Class of 2021
“My experience at UNC was very positive because of the small size of the department. It allowed me to get to know my classmates, who became a critical component of my success in and out of the classroom. The department's small, intimate feel also provided opportunities to get to know the faculty well, cultivating a welcoming and safe environment.”
Kody Wilson, Meteorology, Class of 2012
“The Meteorology programme is an excellent option if you want professors and fellow students who care about you. When I transferred to Northern Colorado, I was used to 100+ student class sizes, taught mainly by teaching assistants and making very few personal and professional connections through my coursework. The MET programme at UNC was immediately welcoming, and I was able to make fast friendships. The classes were taught by professors with generous office hours who genuinely wanted every student to succeed. Plus, at Northern Colorado, I was able to make the connections I needed to get into a strong graduate programme and launch my career in climate services.”
Peter Goble, Meteorology, Class of 2012
“The Meteorology programme is an excellent option if you want professors and fellow students who care about you. When I transferred to Northern Colorado, I was used to 100+ student class sizes, taught mainly by teaching assistants and making very few personal and professional connections through my coursework. The MET programme at UNC was immediately welcoming, and I was able to make fast friendships. The classes were taught by professors with generous office hours who genuinely wanted every student to succeed. Plus, at Northern Colorado, I was able to make the connections I needed to get into a strong graduate programme and launch my career in climate services.”
Peter Goble, Meteorology, Class of 2012
“My experience at UNC was very positive because of the small size of the department. It allowed me to get to know my classmates, who became a critical component of my success in and out of the classroom. The department's small, intimate feel also provided opportunities to get to know the faculty well, cultivating a welcoming and safe environment.”
Kody Wilson, Meteorology, Class of 2012
“As a mother of three, I wish to make this planet better than I found it for their future. The degree I earned in Environmental Science and the community I gained at UNC are significant parts of the legacy I want to build and leave for future generations. I earned a degree that rewards me almost daily in the knowledge and confidence I gained. I made life-long friends who helped me and my children through a divorce (as well as the academics) and I now have the privilege to work in the environmental industry to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and spearhead initiatives to exceed those standards whenever possible.”
Robert Oates,
BA Hons in Asian Studies
Shannon Wiley, Environmental Sciences, Class of 2021
“The UNC’s Earth Sciences programme is second to none. The greater Front Range area offers a wide variety of geologic phenomena, and the programme fully utilises the university's optimal location within this region. Each of the Earth Sciences courses incorporates field components which provide students with literal hands-on experiences, truly preparing them for careers beyond the classroom. The knowledge and dedication of professors are exhibited through curriculum development and extracurricular availability. Do yourself a favour and consider pursuing an Earth Sciences degree with the University of Northern Colorado.”
Jake Hooker, Geology, Class of 2019
An enriching geoscience education awaits at University of Northern Colorado.
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