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Atmospheric Sciences / Meteorology

​Make your impact with an atmospheric sciences degree from Northern Vermont University.

NVU-Lyndon’s nationally renowned atmospheric sciences program offers motivated students with a passion for meteorology, weather, and climate the opportunity to learn from experts and graduate with a degree that opens doors.

Recent graduates have gone on to work at organizations like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and WeatherNation, while others have obtained paid opportunities to pursue graduate school in top meteorology programs around the nation. You’ll finish the program prepared to work in a variety of careers and can focus your studies by pursuing a concentration in broadcasting, climate change, graduate school, private industry, or the National Weather Service/military.

The atmospheric sciences curriculum is updated frequently​ to keep pace with developments in science as well as evolving career opportunities. For example, climate change is now incorporated into the core atmospheric sciences courses as a degree requirement. This prepares our graduates to be leading meteorologists, ready to address climate change whether in graduate school, as broadcast meteorologists, or research scientists.​ Interested in a degree in climate change science? View the full climate change science degree here.

Concentrations

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

As a Lyndon ATM student, you’ll enhance the knowledge you gain from your coursework with hands-on, real-world experience with internships, professional development opportunities, and more. 

Atmospheric sciences majors who select the broadcast career concentration work with our on-campus TV studio for live on-air experience in conjunction with our Electronic Journalism Arts Department.

Over half of our juniors and seniors have participated in paid forecasting internships within our Vermont Institute of Applied Meteorology (VIAM). They provide operational winter weather forecast support to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans).

You’ll also engage in professional activities, building your network of peers early. Atmospheric science students regularly attend and present at national conferences such as the American Meteorological Society and American Geophysical Union annual meetings. They also conduct research projects with faculty. Students are working to better predict power outages ahead of wet snow and ice storms, learning how shortwave radiation has been changing in the Northeastern U.S., and using regional climate models to understand how climate change will impact regional weather.

NVU-Lyndon’s student chapter of The American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association is an award-winning, student-run club which organizes fundraisers, hikes, and social gatherings. The club also hosts the annual Northeastern Storm Conference, the largest and longest-running student-organized event in the nation.

Northeastern Storm Conference

Featuring over 300 students and professionals from a wide variety of institutions around the northeast and beyond, the annual, student-run Northeastern Storm Conference allows its attendees to present their newest research in the field of atmospheric sciences to their fellow colleagues. Learn more about the conference on the Lyndon AMS and NWA chapter website.

Vermont Institute of Applied Meteorology

The Vermont Institute of Applied Meteorology (VIAM) gives ATM students the chance to put their education into real-world practice. They conduct research, create forecasts, and communicate with clients. The longest-running VIAM project is operational winter weather forecast support to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans). 

Climate Consensus

The Climate Consensus group was established in 2014 by Lyndon students and faculty to teach undergraduate students about effective ways to communicate basic climate change science to non-scientists and improve public understanding of climate change science and the consensus gap, moving us toward a more sustainable future. Learn more about the group and its work here. 

Student Internships

Jason Shafer

Sarah Levesque

Internship at Local 22 and Local 44

Sarah Levesque interned at Local 22 and Local 44 in Colchester, VT under the supervision of Chief Meteorologist Sean Parker. For her internship, Sarah created graphics, constructed weather blurbs, and did green screen work.

Jason Shafer

Sarah-Ellen Calise

Internship at the University of Grenada in Spain

Sarah-Ellen Calise spent a summer studying abroad at the University of Granada in Spain, where she completed an internship that involved assessing calibration factors for cloud radar, examining how aerosols impact cloud formation, and assisting with the installation of a cloud radar at the university. 

Jason Shafer

Radek Przygoski

Internship at WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT

Junior Radek Przygodzki completed an internship at WTNH News 8 in New Haven, CT. He created weathercasts by working in front of the green screen and other TV studio equipment, as well as updating the forecast by using numerical weather models and other forecasting methods.

Facilities

John Marshall Observation Deck

Our observation deck, close to our atmospheric sciences classrooms, provides 360-degree views and is an ideal location to observe weather and launch weather balloons. 

The Donald and Carmella Dalton Weather Center

The Donald and Carmella Dalton Weather Center, which students may access for research at any time,  contains four 40″ monitors that display latest conditions, radar, satellite, and model forecasts, as well as climate data.

Broadcasting Studio

Students in the broadcast concentration have access to the Electronic Journalism Arts (EJA) department’s facilities, which includes WSI Max weather graphics computers (the same as TV stations) and EJA’s full television studio. Students create daily live broadcasts, available on News 7’s Facebook page.

Our Faculty

Aaron Preston

Aaron Preston

Visiting Assistant Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6496
David Siuta

David Siuta

Research Scientist

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6238
George Loriot

George Loriot

Part-time Faculty

Email Address

Phone

802.673.7455
Janel Hanrahan

Janel Hanrahan

Associate Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6370
Jason Kaiser

Jason Kaiser

Data Systems Administrator

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6685

Arts Management

The arts management minor is designed for students based at Northern Vermont University-Johnson who are majoring in the theater or fine arts programs. The minor encompasses 23 credits in business courses, preparing you to manage the business side of an arts organization — or your own business in the theatrical or fine arts. Accounting, management, marketing, human resources and other essential business courses will prepare you to manage and promote an arts organization — or yourself!

Art/Studio Arts

Make Your Mark with a Degree in Art from Northern Vermont University

You’re creative. Collaborative. Curious. You see the interesting, beautiful, and unusual details in the world around you and express them through your creations. Northern Vermont University-Johnson’s studio arts programs can help you expand your perspective and build the skills needed to pursue a successful creative career.

B.A. in Art

All art students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at NVU-Johnson begin in the B.A. program. The bachelor of arts in art program provides a solid foundation of art instruction in a variety of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital media, and ceramics. You’ll be immersed in our community of creative faculty and staff and exposed to critical and historical perspectives on art that will help you assess your work. You’ll exhibit your work in the Visual Arts Center (VAC) and attend department-wide critiques every month.

Vew Degree Requirements for B.A. in Art

B.F.A. in Studio Arts

Admission to the more intensive bachelor of fine arts in studio arts program — generally in your sophomore or junior year — requires a review of your portfolio, the recommendation of the studio arts faculty and the approval of the department chair. Upon acceptance, you will be required to complete at least three semesters of studio work, participate in monthly B.F.A. critiques held in the VAC gallery, and present a thesis exhibition and gallery talk during your final year of study that demonstrate proficiency in your chosen area of concentration.

View Degree Requirements for B.F.A. in Studio Arts

Minor in Studio Arts

The minor in studio arts combines foundation work in drawing and art history with study in the student’s choice of four studio areas.

View Requirements for the Studio Arts Minor

Facilities

NVU-Johnson art students have access to a range of facilities in our gorgeous, newly renovated VAC. You’ll work in our painting, drawing, print, ceramics, and sculpture work spaces, as well as use traditional techniques for developing photography in our darkroom. And students can take advantage of gallery space within the VAC as well as the Julian Scott Memorial Gallery in Dibden Center for the Arts to exhibit their work.

Art History

You’ll explore art through the ages, including both western and non-western traditions in art. Advanced art-history electives and two studio art courses of your choice round out the 21-credit program.

Applied Psychology and Human Services

From Here on Out, Everyone Will Feel Your Impact

Students are given a strong foundation in theory and are well-versed in psychological and social explanations of human behavior. Two practicum experiences provide opportunities to apply skills in a wide variety of professional settings. A student leaves this program with the knowledge and training needed to succeed in many different jobs or in graduate school.

NVU-Lyndon’s program differs from other programs by offering a four-year degree that combines applied psychology and human services. In their junior and senior years, students select courses to fulfill one of five “tracks,” depending on their interests and post-graduate aspirations.

Applied Psychology and Human Services Tracks

  • General Psychology
  • Child/Adolescent Development
  • Community Mental Health/Substance Abuse
  • Elder Populations
  • Generalist

Career Possibilities

A degree in Applied Psychology and Human Services from NVU-Lyndon provides students with a strong foundation in psychological and developmental theory and hand-on experience to prepare them for careers or graduate programs. Many of our students have gone on to pursue Masters Degrees in psychology, social work, human services, or counseling.

Types of Employers

  • Community mental health centers
  • Centers for older adults
  • Nursing homes
  • Social service/nonprofit organizations
  • Hospitals/healthcare providers
  • College and university counseling, career, and wellness centers
  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Educational institutions

Internship and Field Placement Sites

  • Northeast Kingdom Youth Services/ St. Johnsbury
  • Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging/ St. Johnsbury
  • St. Johnsbury School Guidance Department
  • Northeast Vermont Correctional Facility/ St. Johnsbury
  • Washington County Mental Health Services/Montpelier
  • Vocational Rehabilitation/ St. Johnsbury
  • St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Activities Dept.
  • St. Johnsbury Probation and Parole
  • Children’s Integrated Services/Lyndonville
  • Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Waltham, Massachusetts
  • Department of Children & Families/ St. Johnsbury
  • Northeast Kingdom Community Action Head Start/ St. Johnsbury
  • Adaptive Sports Partners, Franconia, New Hampshire

Meet our ALumni

Jason Shafer

Andre Eason Jr. ’17

“My overall experience in the psychology department has been nothing but a positive one. The professors are very helpful in making sure students understand the material, as well as helping us to consider our future options.”

Jason Shafer

Olivia Lapierre ’17

“What makes the NVU experience unique is the level of support and investment the faculty, staff, and community have for students. Professors encourage an experiential and compassionate approach to the psychology and human services discipline that both challenges and inspires students.”

Expand and keep reading
Jason Shafer

Brady Weigel ’15

“The professors in the psychology department and beyond gave me all the tools and resources I needed to be successful in any professional track I might choose now or in the future.”

Meet our Faculty

Henekis Stoddard '05

Henekis Stoddard ’05

Part-time Faculty, Program Coordinator

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6251
Patricia Shine

Patricia Shine

Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6252
Rhonda Korol

Rhonda Korol

Part-Time Faculty

Email Address

Phone

Sarah Strafford

Sarah Strafford

Part-Time Faculty

Email Address

Phone

Anthropology and Sociology

Experience the World with a Degree in Anthropology and Sociology

Detectives. Globetrotters. Time travelers. Anthropologists and sociologists are all of these and more, studying that most fundamental of topics: ourselves.

Anthropologists and sociologists explore the world’s diverse cultures and social behaviors — from the beginning of time to ten minutes ago. They investigate the overlapping social structures of family, economy, politics, education, religion, and media that both form and inform our behavior and relationships.

Students in this program probe such diverse topics as art, environment, evolution, symbolism, values, healing, and religion to understand the range of cultural and biological differences among the world’s peoples. They study how the distribution of power affects issues of social justice and sustainability. Courses such as “Anthropology of Death,” “Gender and Society,” and “Religion, Culture and Alternate Realities” provide a global perspective on topics that have shaped civilization. 

This major is a popular choice for students considering graduate study or careers in social work, law and criminal justice, politics, policy analysis, and public administration.

Students in the B.A. in global studies program at our NVU-Lyndon campus can also pursue a concentration in anthropology and sociology. We also offer related minors in Global Studies, Gender Studies, and Wellness and Alternative Medicine. 

A CULTURE OF HANDS-ON LEARNING

At Northern Vermont University, you’ll learn by doing. Travel and discover new cultures, dig deep in your fieldwork and internships, and learn from your on-campus peers and instructors.

Travel the World

There is no better way to understand world cultures than to experience them for yourself. Class trips between the Anthropology and Sociology, Global Studies, and Psychology departments take students around the globe — including Paris, Russia, Amsterdam, and Martinique. 

Field Work and Internships

Through high-impact internships and fieldwork, you’ll take the knowledge you learn in class and apply it to the real world of anthropology. Recent graduates have interned at nonprofits, schools, wellness centers, research centers, farms, animal shelters, and mental health clinics. Learn more about internships at NVU. 

Campus Connections

Take advantage of on-campus activities that relate to your Anthropology and Sociology degree. You’ll have the opportunity to join Students for Global Change, a club striving to help alleviate suffering and inequality in the world. You’ll also get the chance to work with a humanitarian center that helps to distribute medical and educational supplies around the world. 

Certification in Social Justice and Social Change

Earn a certificate in Social Justice and Social Change to boost your resume! To complete the certification program in addition to your degree, you’ll take a cluster of sociology and anthropology courses that provide diversity training and opportunities for activism. Upon graduation, you’ll leave NVU with your diploma and certificate to show prospective employers that you enrolled in a variety of workshops that involved reducing inequality and injustice on a local, regional, and global scale.

Student and Alumni Spotlight

Jason Shafer

Fadhili Achinda ’20

Fadhili Achinda ’20 is focusing her research on body image, mass media, and the effect of the beauty industry on society. Her high-impact video project BODY IMAGE ties together her personal journey and research on body image and body dysmorphia.  

Jason Shafer

Courtney Gabaree ’10

Like all NVU students, Courtney Gabaree ’10 didn’t just learn — she worked to make a difference. Courtney interned with the Polaris Project in Washington, D.C., a leading nonprofit dedicated to globally combat human trafficking and slavery. When she returned to Vermont she continued her work with the Attorney General of Vermont to establish the state’s Human Trafficking Task Force and Law Enforcement Advisory Board. 

Illustration and Animation

Fine-tune the skills you build in NVU-Lyndon’s B.F.A. program as you prepare for your career. Increase your marketability with required and elective courses in life drawing, concept art for games and animation, creative writing, digital illustration, interactive media design, and more. You’ll work in well-equipped facilities with two art studios, a 3-D printer, and Quimby Gallery, a campus venue that hosts shows by students and regional artists. Our new technology includes a Maker-Bot Replicator for 3-D printing and Oculus headsets for virtual reality viewings to stimulate your creativity. 

Student Artwork

  • Illustration by Maire Dauphine
  • Art by Abigail Miller ’19
  • Art by Abigail Miller ’19
  • Art by Abigail Miller ’19

ROY Academy Interviews

Nicholas Pucillo, Becca Fauteux, Nolan Lessard, Joesph Wood, Kyle Lamoureux

A Soap Opera

Kaio Scott

Junk Journey

Quinn Files

It Will Be Okay

Amanda Adams

Kaio’s Big Test

Kaio Scott

Clouds

Will Gilbert

Vermont Maple Syrup

Sean Metivier

181 MadBrook Final

Andrea Poe

The Button on the Desk!

2016 Advanced Animation Class

Game Design

About the Concentration in Game Design

Learn the programming skills needed to put your animation and illustration talents to work in the growing field of game design. You’ll build on your core coursework in Northern Vermont University-Lyndon’s B.F.A. program, with classes in programming languages, character design, and life drawing to help you bring video games to life. This concentration gives you the skills and portfolio you need to gain a competitive edge in a job market that is growing at a rate of almost 12% annually. 

Students can also pursue game design as a minor. 

Animation and Illustration

Make your mark with a degree in animation and illustration at Northern Vermont University.

Our bachelor of fine arts degree program in animation and illustration gives motivated, talented visual artists the training in drawing and storytelling to develop a unique “visual voice.” Small classes (capped at 18 students), expert faculty, and a curriculum that is updated regularly will prepare you to stand out in the creative job marketplace. 

Whether you’re hoping to work as an illustrator for print or create time-based media like video games and animation, the animation and illustration program will prepare you to hit the ground running after graduation. 

Flexibility to Pursue Your Goals and Interests

Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Visual Arts programs share a common core, making it easy for most students to switch majors without extending their time in college. This gives you the flexibility to explore your interests and make adjustments to your path if your goals change as you learn and grow. 

As a student in this program, you will build on your already-strong drawing skills through coursework and real-world projects that turn your passion for art and drawing, your hard work, focus, and creativity, into a professional portfolio and resume that will stand out to prospective employers after graduation.

Concentrations

Beyond the Classroom

From festivals to internships, Lyndon animation and illustration students gain professional experience and exposure to the industry and other artists throughout their educational career. 

Vermont Animation Festival

A collaboration between Northern Vermont University, Catamount Arts, and the Center for Cartoon Studies, the Vermont Animation Festival attracts nationally renowned artists and gives Lyndon students the opportunity to exhibit work, connect with other animators, participate in workshops and screenings, and help organize Vermont’s only animation festival.

Peekskill Film Festival

The Peekskill Film Festival gives Lyndon students the chance to meet other students and emerging filmmakers, screen their own work and gain exposure to new work, make connections, and build professional networks.  

Internships

You’ll put your illustration and animation skills to work by interning with local and regional organizations, building your skills, gaining professional experience, and enhancing your resume. 

Careers for Visual Arts Students

Our alumni keep good company — you’ll find Lyndon visual arts graduates in nationally and globally recognized companies, working behind the scenes on television and web shows, and creating to the local and regional creative economy as they start their own shops or work as freelancers. Here are just some of the places and career paths Lyndon visual arts graduates have gone on to.

Employers of Recent Lyndon Alumni

Career Paths for Visual Arts Majors

Illustrators
Animators
Scenic Designer
Game Designer
Storyboard Artist
3D Modeling
Concept Artist
Children’s Book Illustrator and/or Writer
Character Designer
3D Animator
Character Technical Rigger
Digital Molder
Traditional 2D Animator
Commercial Illustrator
Publication Illustrator

Quick Sketch Artist
Set Designer
Book Cover Illustrator
Advertising Illustrator
Greeting Card Illustrator
Graphic Novel Artist
Cartoonist
Mural Artist
Computer Game Illustrator
Interaction Designer
UI/Interface Designer
Narrative Designer 
Mobile Game/App Designer
Molder/Texturer

Meet our students

Jason Shafer

Electra Poulsen ’20

Animation and Illustration

When Electra was searching for a college to attend, she saw few schools that offered the major she wanted. When she looked into Northern Vermont University-Lyndon, not only did she find a great fit with the animation and illustration program, she later helped plan one of the campus’s biggest fall happenings: the annual Vermont Animation Festival, the only event of its kind in the state.

Jason Shafer

Sophia Ruiz ’20

Game Design Concentration

With the game design concentration, Sophia is able to combine her interests in art and games in a creative way. “I love the artistic side of game design, and I want to incorporate that into what I do,” says Sophia, who plans to work at a game studio after she graduates. “Game design is a growing field, and it’s cool because there’s a lot of experimentation going on.”

Facilities

As a student in an NVU-Lyndon visual arts degree program, you’ll have access to our excellent facilities and equipment —during and outside of class— to help you realize your vision, build skills, and amass experience that will help you land the career you want after you graduate. Our three computer labs, two art studios, and one photo lab are equipped with the tools you’ll need to work. Digital cameras, digital video recorders, tripods, light kits, iPads and Wacom tablets are available for loan to our students. Software applications, updated annually on our computers, include Adobe Creative Suite Premium, Maya, and Final Cut Pro, Barcode Producer, and Painter. 

Design Studio – North

  • 19 top-of-the-line iMacs
  • 1 large format color laser printer
  • 1 large format inkjet printer
  • 1 large format scanner
  • Bindery equipment paper trimmers

Design Studio – South

  • 19 top-of-the-line iMacs
  • 1 large format color laser printer
  • 1 large format inkjet printer
  • 1 large format scanner
  • 5 animation bays

Annex Lab

  • 8 top-of-the-line iMacs with 24/7 access
  • 1 large format inkjet printer
  • 1 laser printer
  • 1 flatbed scanner
  • 1 animation bay

Drawing and Painting Studio

  • Drawing tables
  • Still-life setup
  • Life drawing setup
  • Visual presenter

Art Studio 

  • Book binding equipment
  • Light tables
  • Sewing machines
  • Rotary paper trimmers
  • Handtools and basic power tools
  • Visual presenter
  • Print drying rack
  • Flat files
  • Student lockers

Faculty

Our faculty care about your success and challenge you to develop professional skills that make you ready for the workplace immediately after you graduate.

Barclay Tucker

Barclay Tucker

Professor; Director of the Quimby Gallery

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6487
David Johnston

David Johnston

Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6626
Jessie Dall

Jessie Dall

Staff Assistant

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6704
Kelly Glentz Brush

Kelly Glentz Brush

Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6231
Martha Elmes

Martha Elmes

Part-Time Faculty

Email Address

Phone

Robby Gilbert

Robby Gilbert

Assistant Professor

Email Address

Phone

802.626.6323
Timothy Egan

Timothy Egan

Part-Time Faculty

Email Address

Phone

802.635.1301

Accounting

Aim Higher with an Accounting Degree at Northern Vermont University

With an accounting degree, you’ll be able to speak the language of business and work in a high-demand industry. Nonprofit organizations, schools and hospitals, government agencies, and grassroots enterprises all need accountants.

Today’s accountant focuses on auditing controls — both preventive controls (designed to prevent errors or irregularities from happening) and forensic controls (designed to find errors or irregularities after they occur). They are trouble-shooters and puzzle-solvers with a knack for numbers and an eye for details.

At Northern Vermont University, you’ll work closely with faculty experts to build your own expertise in this growing field. Courses in mathematics, principles of marketing and economics, as well as different accounting fields, will prepare you to graduate with the skills that will make you stand out to prospective employers in this growth field.

Students with an accounting degree will be able to demonstrate:

• The proper recording of financial transactions as required by GAAP and IFRS
• The utilization of accounting information for analysis and management decision-making
• The necessary knowledge to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam

Accounting Majors at NVU Graduate with Two Degrees

The B.S. accounting degree is a dual program at Northern Vermont University.  Students will earn not only a B.S. in accounting but also a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in management.  The program is designed for students to finish both degrees in four years.

View Degree Requirements

View NVU – Johnson (B.S.) Accounting Degree Requirements

View NVU – Lyndon (B.S.) Accounting Degree Requirements