How to Obtain a Degree in Meteorology
Overview of a Meterology Degree
Meteorology is a broad field with many different career opportunities. The first image that may pop into your head is of your local weather man or woman. Their job involves predicting the weather and they would be considered meteorologists. There are many different job opportunities available; students should research their options and tailor their education to the specific area of meteorology they wish to be employed in. Students should also take advantage of internships in meteorology to enhance their skills and give them an idea of what a meteorologist does from day to day.
How to Prepare in High School
Most states in the U.S. have schools which offer degree programs in meteorology. Many schools also offer a minor in atmospheric science. Those who are seeking to obtain a degree in meteorology should begin preparing for it in high school. During high school students should be sure to take courses that discuss Earth sciences as well as plenty of physical science classes, chemistry, physics and even biology. Students should also take plenty of mathematics courses and courses that will implement computer skills. Students should also aim to develop good written and spoken English skills.
What Classes to Take in College
Once a student has graduated from high school and enters a college meteorology undergraduate program they need to continue to take plenty of courses in the physical sciences and mathematics. They will also need to continue to develop their skills in spoken and written English. Depending on the specific field of meteorology students wish to pursue they will need to choose electives and advanced courses to fit it such as physical geography, chemistry and hydrology.
Most universities that offer undergraduate degree programs in atmospheric science or meteorology will suggest specific meteorology courses such as hydrometeorology, dynamic meteorology, micrometeorology, physical meteorology, synoptic meteorology, general meteorology and also courses in climatology. Other important science classes that universities may require and/or suggest are advanced mechanics, general physics, optics, mechanics, fluid mechanics, electricity and magnetism.
Universities will also require or suggest that students take plenty of mathematics courses and these may include statistics, calculus, linear algebra and differential equations. Required or suggested computer classes may include computer systems, computer science, matrix algebra or numerical analysis. Students should also elect to take classes in oceanography, geology, physics, astrophysics and geophysics. Those who are seeking to do weather forecasts on television may also want to take courses in communication and broadcasting.
Obtaining a Masters Degree
Those who have finished their undergraduate degree in meteorology may choose to obtain their master’s degree in meteorology or join the workforce. Those with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology can do many things such as prepare and deliver weather forecasts, work for the military, collect data on the climate, work in climate prediction, read and interpret the information from weather satellites and radars or conduct various types of research.
There are several Meteorology schools throughout the United States. Some of the more popular ones include:
University of South Alabama
Department of Earth Sciences
Mobile, Alabama 36688
(251)460-6915
www.meteorology.southalabama.edu
This university offers a BS in Meteorology.
University of California-Los Angeles
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
405 Hilgard Drive
7127 Math Sciences Bldg.
Los Angeles, California 90095
(310)825-1217
This university offers a BS, MS and PhD in Atmospheric Sciences.
University of Hawaii
Department of Meteorology
2525 Correa Road HIG 350
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
(808)956-8775
This university offers a BS, MS and PhD in Meterology.
Iowa State University
3010 Agronomy Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011
(515)294-4758
This university offers a BS in Meteorology.
Plymouth State University
Natural Science Department, MSC #48
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
(605)535-2325
This university offers a BS in Meteorology.
Ohio State University
Department of Geography
1036 Derby Hall
154 North Oval Mall
Columbus, Ohio 43210
This university offers a BS in Geography with Atmospheric and Climate Science Concentration and a MS and PhD in Atmospheric Science.