what course of study is necessary to become a meteorologist

by Joannie Bergnaum MD 8 min read

  • Math Classes. Meteorology is a math-intensive field that requires professionals to analyze qualitative data and use a number of math tools and concepts to interpret information.
  • Science. Science classes are another focus in a meteorology program, and physics and chemistry are the primary subjects for meteorology students.
  • Meteorology/Atmospheric Science Courses. A number of both required and elective courses will cover meteorology/atmospheric science. Everything from introductory to advanced meteorology classes can be found in college programs.
  • Concentration Classes. Many college programs also offer concentrated studies in specific areas for meteorology students. You may find focuses in broadcasting, air pollution or hydrometeorology.

Meteorologists need at least a bachelor's degree to find a job, but most research positions require a master's degree or doctorate. Students will need to take courses in physics, statistics, chemistry, weather systems, calculus and physical climatology among others.Oct 20, 2021

Full Answer

What high school courses are needed to become a meteorologist?

What subjects do I need to do in high school to be a meteorologist?

  1. Geometry
  2. English
  3. Biology
  4. Music
  5. Physical Ed

What major do I need to become a meteorologist?

“Meteorologists usually need a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or a closely related field that's specific to atmospheric phenomena. Degrees in physics, chemistry, or geo-science may be adequate for certain positions.

What qualifications do you need to become a meteorologist?

The Qualifications of a Weatherman

  • Meteorologist Education. You typically need a bachelor's degree to work as a weatherman. ...
  • Computer Analysis Skills. Weathermen need strong analytical abilities and critical-thinking skills to effectively evaluate pending weather conditions using modeling tools and equipment.
  • Speaking and Presentation Skills. ...
  • Math and Science Acumen. ...

What skills are needed to become a meteorologist?

Skills required to become a meteorologist

  • Analytical thinking. The role of a meteorologist involves forming hypotheses and testing them. ...
  • Attention to Detail. Meteorologists handle large amounts of data simultaneously. ...
  • Communication Skills. Meteorologists deliver predictions to a broad range of people. ...
  • Technical Skills. ...
  • Teamwork Skills. ...

What Does A Meteorologist do?

Meteorologists may work on daily weather forecasting, conduct atmospheric research, teach, broadcast the weather, or advise clients for private met...

Where Does A Meteorologist Work?

The U.S. government is the largest employer of meteorologists and atmospheric scientists, many of whom work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheri...

What Is The Average Meteorologist Salary?

The median salary for meteorologists was $89,260 in 2012, or $42.91 per hour. Federal government workers earned the most ($97,710), followed by fac...

What Is The Job Demand For Meteorologists?

The job market in this industry is projected to grow 10% by 2022, for an addition of 1,100 positions. This projection keeps pace with average job g...

What Do Meteorologists Study?

Meteorologists usually need a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or a closely related field that's specific to atmospheric phenomena. Degrees...

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Meteorologists have?

1. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the foremost professional association for meteorologists. The Society publishes journals, holds ann...

What classes do you need to be a meteorologist?

In order to pursue a career as a meteorologist, you need to opt for science right after class 12th. Depending on whether you want to pursue a BTech or BSc in meteorology course after 12, the following subject combinations you can choose. Physics. Chemistry.

What is the minimum requirement to become a meteorologist?

How to Become a Meteorologist: Eligibility Criteria. Class 10 is the minimum requirement for obtaining a Diploma in Meteorology. The major prerequisite for obtaining a B.Sc or B.Tech in Atmospheric Science is a Class 12 in Science stream or a Diploma in Meteorology.

How much does a meteorologist make?

With years of experience, the salary can go up to INR 1,50,000 per month.

What is a meteorologist professor?

Meteorologist Professor or Lecturer. They are responsible for teaching students about metrology at bachelors or masters level. After clearing UGC-NET, candidates can become a meteorologist lecturer or professor at top IITs or other colleges that offer a meteorology course.

How long is the BTech in atmospheric science?

BTech Atmospheric Sciences is a 4-year Undergraduate program that deals with the study of earth’s atmosphere and its physical properties, motions, ecosystem and how these affect the climate and human life.

What do meteorologists study?

Meteorologists research the properties and mechanisms of the atmosphere, as well as how they shape and evolve the climate, in addition to predicting the weather. They also study global change and climate variability. Meteorologists come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

What is a PhD in meteorology?

Meteorologists with PhD degrees teach aspiring meteorologists. These jobs are at colleges or universities that offer degrees in meteorology or one of the specializations.

What degree do you need to be a meteorologist?

Meteorologists need to hold at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, which includes courses in biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, and computer science. A degree in physics, chemistry, or geoscience may be adequate for certain positions.

How to get a bachelor's degree in high school?

Step 2: Take the Right Classes in High School. Step 3: Get a Bachelor's Degree. Step 4: Decide if You Need a Graduate Degree. Step 5: Get an Internship. Step 6: Decide on a Specialization/Workplace. Step 7: Be Prepared to get Additional Training. Step 1.

Do you have to go through training to be a weather service?

Some employers, like the National Weather Service, will require you to go through some additional training when they hire you. Entry level government positions usually place you in various intern positions so you can train in different areas before you're assigned to a specific duty.

What is a college degree in meteorology?

A college degree in meteorology. A knack for and interest in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM. Curiosity about the causes and effects of weather. Myers discovered his interest in meteorology at the age of 3 during his childhood in Philadelphia – he loved snow.

What are the qualifications for meteorology?

Experts on meteorology agree that the following credentials are necessary for the meteorology profession: 1 A college degree in meteorology 2 A knack for and interest in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM 3 Curiosity about the causes and effects of weather

What is the difficulty of meteorology?

Nevertheless, the struggle to figure out what might occur can be enjoyable and meaningful, he says, and the goal is to make forecasts that are as reliable as possible and to relay them in a way that is transparent and compelling.

What do meteorologists monitor?

Meteorologists monitor the skies, searching for meaningful data. They are experts on the solids, liquids and gases contained within the Earth's atmosphere and can predict how those substances will interact with one another.

What is meteorology?

What Meteorology Is and What Meteorologists Do. Meteorology is a branch of earth science that concentrates on airspace, winds and clouds. This academic discipline requires mathematical prowess, a technical mindset and an appreciation for nature, experts say.

How much does a meteorologist make in 2020?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary among atmospheric scientists in the U.S., including meteorologists, was $99,740 in 2020.

Why is understanding the weather important?

Understanding the causes and effects of weather has many practical benefits, such as alerting people to looming threats so that they can gather supplies and take steps to protect people and preserve property. Knowledge about the science of Earth's atmosphere is also helpful in simpler ways, such as scheduling outdoor events. Many people refer to their local weather forecast to decide how they should dress on any given day.

What are the main subjects in meteorology?

Science. Science classes are another focus in a meteorology program, and physics and chemistry are the primary subjects for meteorology students. Physics courses will explore different aspects of the Earth’s atmosphere, including temperatures and storm formation. Physics also is used in weather forecasting.

What is the math required for meteorology?

Meteorology is a math-intensive field that requires professionals to analyze qualitative data and use a number of math tools and concepts to interpret information. As such, math classes, particularly courses in calculus, are a required component of all meteorology programs. Anyone interested in working in the field needs to have a strong background ...

What is the study of atmospheric conditions?

Chemistry includes the study of atmospheric conditions, as well as thermodynamics and water properties, all of which are important in meteorology.

What education do you need to be a meteorologist?

There are several education requirements to become a meteorologist. Meteorologists usually study meteorology, geology or geography. 71% of meteorologists hold a bachelor's degree and 10% hold a master's degree. We found these by analyzing 1,637 meteorologist resumes to investigate the topic of meteorologist education more precisely.

What certifications do meteorologists need?

The necessary certifications that meteorologists must have to succeed are Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM).

What colleges do meteorologists go to?

Meteorologists often get their degree in Mississippi State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Florida State University.

What is CCM in meteorology?

The CCM program is a service for the general public by the AMS. The Society has established high standards of technical competence, character, and experience for certified consultants who provide advice in meteorology to the public. The CCM program was established to ensure that certain individuals have been tested and found to meet or exceed those standards.

How much does a meteorologist make?

Meteorologists with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $80,793 annually. With a Masters degree, meteorologists earn a median annual income of $72,320.

Is Purdue University a good college for meteorologists?

If you're interested in getting a college degree in an affordable college for meteorologists - Purdue University is an excellent option for you. If your SAT or ACT score aren't as high as you'd like, you can look at University of the Incarnate Word, as the admission requirements aren't too selective. On the other end of that spectrum are the Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University.

How many days a week do meteorologists work?

The job of a meteorologist can be very demanding, and they often have to work odd hours and on all seven days of the week. But for the work they put in, for the seemingly impossible task of getting the weather forecast right, meteorologists do get a pretty decent package.

Why do meteorologists monitor satellites?

Meteorologists have to monitor satellite images and try to understand the physical characteristics, motions, and processes of the atmosphere, which help them predict the weather.

Is meteorology a science?

Meteorology is a pretty intriguing science, which studies one of the forces of nature that man is still trying hard to wrap his head around - the weather. While the 'weatherman' may be derided the world over for being grossly inaccurate, one needs to appreciate that meteorology is a tough science.

What does a meteorologist do?

Meteorologists are scientists who study and predict atmospheric conditions. They also offer advice in natural disaster scenarios and research current and past weather events. Meteorologists usually work in scientific laboratories, although some work in the field, and a few work in broadcasting as weather presenters.

What is the purpose of studying weather?

Study the weather to predict future weather patterns.

What should I study for a bachelors in science?

At a minimum … your studies should include calculus-based physics … chemistry … statistics … and mathematics though calculus III and ordinary-differential equations; IOW … the typical course load required for a bachelors of science degree.

Is it rewarding to get a degree in physics?

It is a very rewarding degree, as you get to make calls which can lead to many lives, property and life stock being saved, but you will have to endure the mocking of your fellow humans about how bad we are in our jobs (when the opposite is actually true).

Is geography related to meteorology?

Geography has a strong history with meteorology and climate science, both were actually under geography to begin with, but the discipline of meteorology kind of became it’s own when it started to become more based on quantification and experiment. So, having a geography degree is definitely closer to meteorology than having a degree in something else, even compared to something like strictly GIS, in my opinion.

Is meteorology a good degree?

If you enjoy weather, want to chase storms etc. yes it is a rewarding degree. The only downside is that it is quite limited in the scope of application. One should also note that one does not study Meteorology with the aim to become super rich. Unless you can become a superstar TV meteorologist, your earnings will be comfortable within the middle class.

Do geographers work in geography?

Also note that many geographers have gone to work in meteorology, and many meteorologi sts have worked in geography. For example, Dr. Marshall Shepherd, a past president of the American Meteorological Society, works in the department of geography at University of Georgia. He is incredibly accomplished and is loved in both the disciplines of meteorology and geography (read more here: Dr. Marshal Shepherd Bio ). There is a lot of crossover between geography, meteorology, climate science, and even atmospheric science.

Is it easy to predict weather patterns?

Its not easy to determine weather patterns and definitely not when you're dealing with them over water. Take a look here: Why is still so hard to predict weather accurately and precisely?

Is meteorology a career?

Pursuing a career in meteorology is a bit more complex than most people assume. Your path will also vary depending on what kind of meteorology you wish to pursue.

image

Math Classes

Science

  • Science classes are another focus in a meteorology program, and physics and chemistry are the primary subjects for meteorology students. Physics courses will explore different aspects of the Earth’s atmosphere, including temperatures and storm formation. Physics also is used in weather forecasting. Chemistry includes the study of atmospheric condit...
See more on theclassroom.com

Meteorology/Atmospheric Science Courses

  • A number of both required and elective courses will cover meteorology/atmospheric science. Everything from introductory to advanced meteorology classes can be found in college programs. Courses in atmospheric thermodynamics, analysis and forecasting, climate and climate change aim to give students a complete understanding of the subject.
See more on theclassroom.com

Concentration Classes

  • Many college programs also offer concentrated studies in specific areas for meteorology students. You may find focuses in broadcasting, air pollution or hydrometeorology. If you decide to take one of these tracks, there will be additional required courses focused on that subarea. For instance, if your goal is to become a TV meteorologist, you’ll need to take classes like television …
See more on theclassroom.com