The Atmospheric Science Pathway Experience from Two Year to Four Year Colleges and Universities

Two-year community and technical colleges (also known as 2YC) across the United States (US) are often the entry point for many students seeking higher education including in the atmospheric sciences. As such, the first exposure to college level introductory weather and climate courses often takes place at a 2YC institution, before students transfer onto a four-year college or university (4YC). This presentation reviews the elements of what that exposure might be like. What kinds of courses are there, or could there be? What other experiences do students have at the 2YC level? Is there any means to credential the work students take on during their time at the 2YC that aids in their transfer to a 4YC institution? This presentation connects to broader efforts underway under the AMS Board of Higher Education’s 2YC working group, as seen through the lens of Madison College’s current efforts in this area.