Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

The weather and the atmosphere have a tremendous impact on business and industry, governments, and societies, and researchers in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science aim to better understand this dynamic set of systems. From modeling the intricacies of snowfall to understanding how tornadoes and hurricanes take shape to detailing the atmospheric chemistry of the rainforest, researchers cover the gamut of the interactions between the atmosphere and the land.

Department head: Paul Markowski
Associate Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Eugene Clothiaux
Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs: Jon Nese
Associate Head of Graduate Programs: Jerry Harrington
Degrees offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D., minors, and certificates
Website: https://met.psu.edu

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs

Minors

Meteorology

Graduate Programs

Graduate Certificate

Weather and Climate Analytics (Online)

Meteorology and Atmospheric Science News

As part of our regular "We Are!" feature, we recognize Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what's asked of them in their work at the University.

Let's give a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — May 6
05/06/2025

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 13 Penn Staters, including one from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.

Meteorology students develop workforce readiness in collaboration with WPSU
05/05/2025

Penn State meteorology students are better prepared to communicate the complexities of the weather to the public through a new collaboration with WPSU.

Kenneth Davis, left, professor of atmospheric and climate science in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, discusses a potential link for future research with high school student Isadora Zuo at Penn State's EnvironMentors Research Symposium on April 26

EnvironMentors Research Symposium celebrates student research in sustainability
04/29/2025

Penn State’s chapter of EnvironMentors held its annual research symposium on April 26 at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at Penn State University Park. The EnvironMentors program partners high school students with faculty and undergraduate student mentors in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to plan and conduct environmental research projects. Students then present their results at the annual symposium.

David Titley, Penn State alum, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and retired Penn State professor, will give the commencement address for the spring 2025 baccalaureate degree commencement ceremony for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Retired Rear Adm. David Titley to deliver EMS spring commencement address
04/29/2025

David Titley, Penn State alum, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and retired University professor, will give the commencement address for the spring 2025 baccalaureate degree commencement ceremony for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, in the Pegula Ice Arena on Penn State's University Park campus.

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh developed a model that determines the likelihood of multiple climate scenarios and recommends coastal infrastructure adaptation actions strategically in time, just as chess players think multiple moves ahead to plan their maneuvers.

Coastal management model plays the long game against the rising tides
04/17/2025

To protect against rising sea levels in a warming world, coastal cities typically follow a standard playbook with various protective infrastructure options. For example, a seawall could be designed based on the latest climate projections, with the city officials then computing its cost-benefit ratio and proceeding to build, accordingly.

Meteorologist recognized with Undergraduate Program Leadership Award
04/14/2025

Jon Nese, teaching professor and associate head of the undergraduate program in meteorology and atmospheric science in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS), is the recipient of the 2025 Undergraduate Program Leadership Award.

An aerial view of flash flooding in eastern Kentucky

Underused radar data may improve severe weather forecasts, scientists say
04/09/2025

Readily available but underused Doppler radar data can help predict the height of the planetary boundary layer — the lowest part of the atmosphere and where weather forms — and, in turn, improve severe weather forecasts, according to scientists at Penn State.

Earth and Mineral Sciences faculty and students honored at college's awards ceremony
04/08/2025

Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held on March 30.

Susan Freinkel talk: 'How Did We Get Hooked on Plastic?' on April 14
04/07/2025

Award-winning author and journalist Susan Freinkel will give the virtual talk “How Did We Get Hooked on Plastic?” at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14. It will be streamed in Foster Auditorium of Paterno Library and available on Zoom.

Penn State mourns loss of world-renowned meteorologist Jenni Evans
04/07/2025

The Penn State community is mourning the loss of Jenni Evans, professor emerita of meteorology and atmospheric science and director emerita of the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, who died April 3 in her Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, home. She was 63.

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