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Meteorology

Program Description

Just the Facts

Meteorology. A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. Includes instruction in general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, parameterization, numerical and statistical analysis, large- and mesoscale phenomena, kinematic structures, precipitation processes, and forecasting techniques.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Additional Information

Meteorology students study something that affects all our lives -- the weather. They learn to figure out what the weather will look like tomorrow. They also study long-term climate change.

These students learn everything there is to know about weather and how to predict it.

Meteorology requires a university degree. Programs can be found within several departments. These include atmospheric sciences, meteorology and climatology.

James Holton is a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Washington. He says students should ask themselves if they really have the determination to succeed in a subject that requires a strong background in math and physics.

When choosing a school, make sure that its program focuses on the field you wish to enter. Some schools are better known for their "hard science" research areas, such as air pollution or hydrology. Other schools may concentrate on more general aspects, such as weather forecasting and analysis.

About three dozen schools in the U.S. offer degrees in atmospheric sciences or meteorology.

Expect to pursue graduate studies. Meteorologists often need a master's degree and most likely a PhD.

Susan Allen works with an atmospheric science program. She says high school students should concentrate on physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry and writing skills.

This program demands good grades from students.

"At the undergrad level, most good schools look for a B or better average," says Gary Barnes. He is a professor of meteorology at the University of Hawaii.

"At grad levels, we take only those who sustained a 3.0 [grade point average] or better, and a 3.4 makes your chances much better. The brightest of that group get assistantships."

Extracurricular activities can give students an edge. It can also give them a good idea of what the career will be like.

Allen recommends doing weather-related science fair projects and searching the Internet for satellite photos and weather information. "Just paying attention to local weather patterns is also very useful," she adds.

Holton says that participation in science fairs, and in debating and other clubs that stress communication skills, is valuable.

Meteorology students can expect to pay lab fees in some programs.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Atmospheric Scientists

Weather
Click here for maps, forecasts and weather history

American Meteorological Society
Check out their news, publications and a special section for students

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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