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Meteorology College Programs: Meteorology School Courses, Degree for Career in Meteorology

Meteorology schools train students in the science of the atmosphere. Students learn about the different environmental and societal factors that affect the atmosphere and weather, develop predictions and theories about atmospheric dynamics and physics, and use different computer applications to study atmosphere variables. Meteorology college course programs teach students how to apply scientific principles using several different interdisciplinary methods.

Enrolling in Meteorology Schools

In order to pursue a career in meteorology, candidates typically complete a degree in the field of physics, chemistry, mathematics or natural science. Students who apply to meteorology schools must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have a strong background in math, physics, chemistry and computer science.

Students who are of military age and have completed high school but cannot get into a meteorology school may consider going into the Air Force instead. The Air Force offers many hands-on meteorology programs and equivalent education of a meteorology college course program. The Air Force may also offer continuing education in the field once the individual's Air Force career ends.

Meteorology College Course Programs

Meteorology schools around the country typically offer meteorology college course programs including:

  • Atmospheric Observations
  • Dew Point Analysis
  • Fundamentals of Mesoscale Weather Forecasting
  • Probing Pressure
  • Map Making
  • Projecting Map Data
  • Radiation Research
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum Studies
  • Atmospheric Controllers of Temperatures
  • Vertical Variations in Temperature
  • Wind Patterns and Pressure
  • Understanding Cyclones
  • Fundamentals of Tropical Forecasting

Advanced topics in weather forecasting and meteorology may cover subjects including techniques in mesoscale and planetary special scales, conceptual modeling, the application of atmospheric principles to small-scale weather systems and the study of the effect of hurricanes. Students may also gain advanced knowledge in areas of satellite and radar imagery, data analysis and mid-latitude weather forecasting.

Training at Meteorology Schools

Meteorology schools may offer specialized training in a number of fields such as:

  • Atmospheric research
  • Global warming
  • Tornado systems
  • Research meteorology
  • Weather forecasting
  • Climatological reporting
  • Computer processing of weather information
  • Computer information systems
  • Teaching and education

Many meteorology schools offer extensive hands-on training and computer simulation training so that students can apply their skills and knowledge on the job immediately after graduation. Candidates that wish to explore a career as weather forecaster or meteorologist for the radio may enroll in courses in the field of TV and radio production, public speaking and communications.

Pursuing a Career in Meteorology

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in meteorology gets specialized education to become a meteorologist, or person who uses various scientific principles to explain, observe, forecast and make sense of the earth's atmospheric events and how the atmosphere has an impact on the planet. The major employers of forecasters and meteorologists are:

  • Military organizations
  • TV and radio stations
  • Consulting meteorology businesses
  • NOAA
  • Educational institutions

Meteorology Degree Information

In order to complete a meteorology degree, a student must have a strong background in earth sciences, mathematics, physics and environmental sciences. Meteorology degree programs place a strong emphasis on applying different theories and models to operational weather forecasting and decision-making for industries including the military, aviation operation facilities and research centers.

Students enrolled in a meteorology degree program learn how to conduct research on severe weather patterns, learn about the principles of precipitation and understand the nature of global climate changes. Meteorology college course programs are a combination of environmental sciences and several technical electives.

Some meteorology college course programs are available in an online format where the student participates in interactive tutorials, takes quizzes and tests online, and participates in online discussion and lectures. Online meteorology programs may be an attractive option for students who wish to complete their meteorology degree on their own schedule, or for those that want to take a meteorology college course at their own pace.

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