I am Paul Markowski, distinguished professor and head of the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State. Welcome to our department's website! The department is world renowned for its expertise in meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, and climate science. We have an energetic and talented faculty that provides both undergraduate and graduate students with an outstanding and rigorous educational experience.
Undergraduate students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science with one of five different options that are tailored to their interests and career opportunities. Graduate students produce new knowledge and applications in specialties ranging from tropical meteorology to severe storms, data assimilation to ecosystem biochemistry, and weather forecasting to climate prediction. We stress ethics, sustainability, and professional development in our courses. Both the breadth and depth of faculty knowledge enrich the student learning experience.
Post-graduation surveys indicate our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Well over 90% of our undergraduates and virtually all of our graduate students have found employment in their major field. Since the first graduates in the Class of 1942, the department has granted more than 3400 Bachelor of Science degrees, 850 Master of Science degrees and 300 Doctor of Philosophy degrees. This gives us one of the largest alumni groups within meteorology and atmospheric science, and provides a natural networking opportunity for all of our students. It is difficult to visit any weather-related company, or attend any weather or climate meeting, and not meet a fellow alumnus of Penn State!
Please spend a few minutes browsing our website to learn more about the department. It is a wonderful place to learn, to stretch your abilities, to make life-long friendships and to prepare for a career where you can make a positive difference in your community and the world.