Meteorology Minor

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

About the Program

Meteorology is the study of weather and climate. Meteorologists use their understanding of the science of the atmosphere to forecast the weather. The meteorology program aims to help students understand the complex nature of the atmosphere and uses atmospheric science to explore various weather phenomena. Denver, with its diverse weather, is an interesting place to study meteorology. From severe weather like hail and tornadoes to predicting heavy snowfall and examining events like Chinook winds and fire weather, there is much to explore in a variety of courses. Several classes also focus on how a changing climate can impact weather patterns.

Program Requirements

Students in the minor complete three required courses, then choose from a variety of elective courses to reach 19 credits total.
A grade of “D” or better is required for courses in this program to count toward the minor.

Required Courses: 7 credits

MTR 1400 - Weather and Climate Credits: 3
MTR 2020 - Weather and Climate Lab for Scientists Credits: 1
MTR 3400 - Synoptic Meteorology Credits: 3

Elective Courses: 12 credits

Students may take any MTR prefix course as an approved meteorology minor elective. Suggested courses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

MTR 1600 - Global Climate Change Credits: 3
MTR 2050 - Community Climate Initiatives Credits: 2
MTR 2410 - Weather Observing Systems Credits: 3
MTR 3000 - Weather Discussion Credits: 1
MTR 3040 - Computer Programming for Meteorologists Credits: 3
MTR 3100 - Air Pollution Credits: 3
ENV 3200 - Climate Change and Ecosystems Credits: 3
MTR 3330 - Climatology Credits: 3
MTR 3340 - Climate Change Science Credits: 3
MTR 3410 - Weather Analysis Techniques Credits: 3
MTR 3420 - Radar and Satellite Meteorology Credits: 3
MTR 3430 - Atmospheric Thermodynamics Credits: 3
MTR 3440 - Physical Meteorology Credits: 3
MTR 3450 - Dynamic Meteorology Credits: 3
MTR 3500 - Hazardous Weather Credits: 3
MTR 3710 - Meteorology Internship Credits: 1-6
MTR 3777 - Field Observations of Severe Weather Credits: 3
MTR 3920 - Directed Study in Meteorology Credits: 1-5
MTR 4210 - Forecasting Laboratory Credits: 1
MTR 4400 - Advanced Synoptic Meteorology Credits: 4
MTR 4500 - Mesometeorology Credits: 3
MTR 4600 - Meteorology Research Seminar Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

Required Courses	7 credits
Elective Courses	12 credits
Total for the Meteorology Minor	19 credits