Studying Tropical Meteorology in Graduate School
Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:14 pm
Hello,
I'm new to these boards, but I really enjoy reading all the information here that I can't get elsewhere and thinking about the science of weather. I have some questions that I'm hoping you all can help with if you don't mind. I just graduated college with a degree in political science, but I decided this year that I want to pursue meteorology in graduate school. It's been a passion of mine my entire life (particularly tropical cyclones... everything about them), but my school had no undergraduate meteorology courses.
I took 5 physics courses and audited 1 (through Thermodynamics) and 5 math courses (through Differential Eq And Linear Algebra), as well as 1 computer science and general chemistry. I'm also completing the USDA distance learning courses to achieve a certificate in meteorology. I got some experience volunteering at an NWS office, so I know this is what I want to do, and I do have a little bit of a background... just no science/math major, and no undergrad met courses (though the distance learning is compensating).
My questions for all of you are what schools you think I should consider, as well as whether you think I have any realistic chance of getting in. I have a feeling my background will hurt me, so I'm not sure if I can get in anywhere... my grades were good overall (~3.2 gpa), but my grades in science/math courses weren't that great (closer to 2.6). I was very involved on campus, and I did research in both physics and political science. I know for sure I want to pursue a phd because I want a research career and possibly to teach.
I truly appreciate your help if you post a response, and your advice will definitely clarify things for me. Thanks!
I'm new to these boards, but I really enjoy reading all the information here that I can't get elsewhere and thinking about the science of weather. I have some questions that I'm hoping you all can help with if you don't mind. I just graduated college with a degree in political science, but I decided this year that I want to pursue meteorology in graduate school. It's been a passion of mine my entire life (particularly tropical cyclones... everything about them), but my school had no undergraduate meteorology courses.
I took 5 physics courses and audited 1 (through Thermodynamics) and 5 math courses (through Differential Eq And Linear Algebra), as well as 1 computer science and general chemistry. I'm also completing the USDA distance learning courses to achieve a certificate in meteorology. I got some experience volunteering at an NWS office, so I know this is what I want to do, and I do have a little bit of a background... just no science/math major, and no undergrad met courses (though the distance learning is compensating).
My questions for all of you are what schools you think I should consider, as well as whether you think I have any realistic chance of getting in. I have a feeling my background will hurt me, so I'm not sure if I can get in anywhere... my grades were good overall (~3.2 gpa), but my grades in science/math courses weren't that great (closer to 2.6). I was very involved on campus, and I did research in both physics and political science. I know for sure I want to pursue a phd because I want a research career and possibly to teach.
I truly appreciate your help if you post a response, and your advice will definitely clarify things for me. Thanks!