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Albert Owino, Chair owinoa@wcsu.edu Science Building 264B, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8361 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
Robert N. Eisenson, Associate Chair eisensonr@wcsu.edu Science Building 277, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8989 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
Merisa Williams, Department Secretary williamsm@wcsu.edu Science Building 324, Midtown Campus (203) 837-8669 (203) 837-8320 (fax)
Full-Time Faculty/Staff A. Owino, chair R. Eisenson, associate chair J. Boyle D. Dawson
Part-Time Faculty M. Coleman P. Garbarino A. Eidelson Z. Silver
Overview The goal of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology is to provide students the opportunity to understand the physical laws governing the universe. The fundamental relationships between energy and matter are studied, from the age of the ancient scientists through the eras of Newton and Einstein and up to the present day. Applications are made to the fields of meteorology, astronomy, earth and planetary sciences, electronics, engineering and to many branches of physics, from classical mechanics to quantum nuclear physics. In addition to experiencing practical applications of the laws of nature, students develop an understanding of the role of science and technology in contemporary society.
Mission Consistent with the university’s mission to serve as an accessible, responsive, and creative intellectual resource for the people and institutions of Connecticut, the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Meteorology endeavors to provide a complete and current education in the principles and applications of meteorology, earth and planetary sciences and astronomy, in ways that accommodate the students’ backgrounds and career objectives.
Objectives To accomplish this mission, the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Meteorology:
Learning Outcomes – Meteorology Major
At the completion of their studies in meteorology:
Degree Programs in Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology
Major Programs Bachelor of Science Meteorology
Minor Programs Astronomy Earth and Planetary Sciences Meteorology Physics
Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (B.S.)
The meteorology degree provides its students with a broad background of fundamental skills in meteorology, mathematics, computer science, earth science, physics and chemistry and allows them to enter professional employment in both public and private sectors. A student completing the B. S. Meteorology degree will have the necessary expertise and have met requirements to seek employment with the National Weather Service or other government agencies, apply for graduate school in the physical and environmental sciences, and get jobs with a wide range of private sector employers who value students with a solid, quantitative science degree. The B.S. Meteorology degree can also be an excellent background for students choosing to further their education in business or other professional graduate schools. Students who choose the Broadcast Meteorology option will also get media experience producing and performing on-camera television weathercasts in our department TV studio as a member of The WestConn Weather Team, our student broadcast meteorologists. We have an impressive record of placing graduating students in on-camera meteorologist positions. Paid undergraduate research assistantships are available for qualified students with our faculty. Practical experience is available to students through paid employment or volunteering in the Meteorological Studies and Weather Center.
Description: A student completing the B. S. Meteorology degree will have the necessary expertise and have met requirements to seek employment with the National Weather Service or other government agencies, apply for graduate school in the physical and environmental sciences, and get jobs with a wide range of private sector employers. Those students that complete the broadcast meteorology option will be well-qualified to pursue entry-level positions in operational broadcast meteorology. Students with a B.S. Meteorology degree are also attractive candidates for professional graduate programs in business and law.
Degree Requirements All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 69-70 (SH), 78-79 with Broadcast Option.
*MAT 222 is recommended for those wishing to complete a mathematics minor.
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad2324/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the breadth requirement. Where applicable, cognates are indicated in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Meteorology Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
*Students who need pre-calculus as strongly encouraged to complete this requirement the summer prior to admission.
**For Broadcast Meteorology option take one of these for OC: THR 260 Voice & Diction (OC) or COM 268 Public Communication (OC)
***Required for Broadcasting Option.
Minor in Astronomy Nineteen semester hours of astronomy or physics courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Minor in Earth and Planetary Sciences Twenty semester hours of courses noted as earth science or earth and planetary sciences. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Required Courses: MTR 150 Meteorology AST 150 General Astronomy ES 110 Physical Geology ES 210 Intro to Physical Oceanography AST 231 Intro to Planetary Sciences OR EPS 331 Practicum in EPS Research OR Eps 220 & 221 Seminar in EPS (2+2 SH)
Minor in Meteorology Twenty-one (21) or twenty-two (22) semester hours of meteorology courses. Advisement must be through the department Chairperson.
Required Courses (15 SH): MTR 150 Meteorology MTR 175 Analytical Meteorology MTR 230 Weather Analysis and Forecasting I MTR 310 Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Two (2) Approved Meteorology Electives (6-7 SH): Courses must be at a 200-level or higher
Minor in Physics Twenty semester hours of physics are required, including PHY 110, 111, General Physics (Calculus) I & II and 12 semester hours by departmental advisement. In most cases these 12 credits additional credits include PHY 136 and PHY 170.
Required Courses (8 SH): PHY 110 General Physics I (MAT 182 and grade >=C in PHY 103 or placement exam) PHY 111 General Physics II
Three (3) Approved Electives (12 SH) Electives must be approved by Physics, Astronomy & Meteorology Department Chairperson.
Program in Engineering Technology at Central Connecticut State University Students are advised of an accredited engineering and engineering technology program leading to a bachelor’s degree at Central Connecticut State University. For further information, review the CCSU catalog.
