What do you do to become a "weather person?" Degre

[Persepone]

A friend asked me the other day about this. I really did not know the answer.

A degree in meterology seems the simple answer, but aren't these relatively new? Which schools offer them?

Are there other avenues?

There seems to be a wide variation among those who predict/present the weather on various media. But I'm wondering about other jobs as well (at the airport, NWS, etc. etc. etc.)

[NWIASpotter]

Most NWS or goverment areas require at least the bachelors degree, but a masters will be very helpful. If you want to do anything within research meteorology you must of course obtain a phd. There are around 40 colleges if I remember right that offer a major in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. I know the NOAA site has a list of schools that offer programs, but those are a bit outdated, but should give you a good idea of what schools are there.

[Aslkahuna]

For TV, a degree in Meteorology is not required (there are schools that do have programs in Broadcast Meterology but getting that degree probably does not fulfill the requirements for an actual Met Degree which involves copious quantities of Science and Math). However, for any professional position in Meteorology a degree is required and the higher the position the higher the degree. All GS-1340 (Meterologist) positions in Civil Service regardless of Agency require a Bachelors Degree in Met or associated science with at least 6 hours of Dynamics and Math through Differential and Integral Calculus for starters.

Steve

[ColdFront77]

Good question. There must be so many different avenues in the meteorology career. Working for the National Weather Service, airports and military personnel.

Too bad all local news affiliates don't seek those that have meteorology degrees opposed to having some that get a degree in broadcasting, who enjoy or don't mind reporting the weather.

[azskyman]

Here's a list of schools with degree programs.

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/schools.html

You do not have to be a degreed meteorologist to study weather, enjoy weather, or learn more about the weather.

You can get involved as a backyard weather observer, the SKYWARN program, and other avenues to extend your interest without actually being employed in weather.

Those who seek meteorology degrees often say that the math and physics aspects of the college programs are the most difficult...so be prepared for some challenges in that area.

I have a college degree in earth science education, but yet have been invited to speak before a conference of the American Meteorological Society and was elected as a counselor by the membership of the National Weather Association. I was an invited member into the American Association of State Climatologists. I have performed contract weather observing and have testified in court about weather conditions at the time of a crime. As a non-meteorologist I was invited by a select group to review plans for modernization of the National Weather Service Cooperative Program.

I say these things not to brag, but instead in humility. I have been able to enjoy a life surrounded by weather and weather friends without ever having a degree in meteorology.

I mention these too because I have known hundreds of non-meteorologists who, just like me, have found weather to be an important part of their lives.

A degree would be great, but it is not the only way to live and learn and enjoy weather.

[pojo]

One thing to do if you are extremely interested in this branch of science.... really study Calculus and Physics... that is the basis of the meteorology classes that particular universities offer. Like others have been saying, Broadcast Meteorology positions do not require a bachelors in meteorology, but it would be highly recommended. Also, if you want... American Meteorology Society has a webpage.... http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS click on student resources. There is valuble listed for what colleges has Meteorology and how to get your hands on scholarships.

[David]

yay go KU.

[Persepone]

Thanks everyone! Great info.

[NWIASpotter]

Just to back up pojo, there is nothing that easy about calculus and physics!! It might take some work, but if you are really passionate about weather you can find your way through there and become a great meteorologist. Like I hope to do!!!

[OklahomaWeather]

I just graduated in May from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in meteorology... I STRONGLY reccommend OU (I'm probably a little biased though!) It was the hardest thing I've ever done; math and physics were never my strongest subjects, but as NWIASpotter said, a true love of the weather can get you though! As long as you prepare yourself and know what you're in for, you can handle it better. One thing about OU is that they are concentrated more on people who are going to go through and get their masters and doctorate degrees. It is a research school, and therefore they more or less train you to be researchers. Over 2/3 of our graduating class of 37 are going on to get their masters and doctorates to do research, but it's still a great school to come out of with a bachelor's and be a great operational meteorologist! ... Sorry so long-winded, just wanted to give my personal opinion and experience ...

[quickychick]

For a newbie who would like to learn more short of enrolling in meteorology courses, can y'all recommend books or other literature you would find to be good primers on weather patterns, tropical system forecasting, and the like? Kinda like Hurricanes for Dummies, only different.

Thanks.
-qc

[Thunder44]

When is the actual point that you become a "meterologist"?

[OklahomaWeather]

I guess I don't know the official point of where you become a meteorologist, but while we were in school we always called ourselves "meteorology students" and then the day we graduated, we considered ourselves meteorologists.

[NWIASpotter]

I think that there are a lot of "amatuer" meteorologists, ones who just enjoy weather and can name about every different phenomena that occurs wiht the weather. But I believe you don't truely become a meteorologist until you have a degree.

As for good books, try and find some college textbooks, they are great for learning different things, for you I would look on something close to oceanograhpy, etc. If you want to read a book that just has to do with weather there are many books at local libraries.

[Kiko]

Here's another route you can take, besides the college one... join the Navy as an Aerographer's Mate (Weather Guesser):

General Info: Aerographer's mates are the Navy's meteorological and oceanographic experts, trained in the science of meteorology and physical oceanography. They also learn to use instruments that monitor weather characteristics such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. They then distribute this data to aircraft, ships and shore activities.

What They Do: The duties performed by AGs include: collecting, recording and analyzing weather and oceanographic information; preparing up-to-date weather maps and oceanographic data; issuing weather forecasts and warnings; conducting weather/oceanographic briefings; using, testing, calibrating and performing minor and preventive maintenance on meteorological instruments including satellite receivers; preparing balloon-carried instruments for flight, evaluating and analyzing data received; operating, programming and maintaining computers and related equipment.

Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score Requirements: VE+MK+GS=162

Other Requirements: Must have normal color perception. Security Clearance (SECRET) Requirement. Must be U.S. citizen

Technical Training Information: Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

Course Title Location Calendar Days
AG A1 Keesler AFB (Biloxi), MS 86

Observing, recording and plotting meteorological information and operating meteorological equipment and computers Group instruction Upon graduating from "A" school, AGs work toward qualification as environmental observers through completion of Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS). They also prepare for advanced training at "C" school by the four- to six-year career stage. Aerographer's mates are assigned to larger ships such as aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and cruisers, to naval air stations, weather centers, and other shore facilities in the United States or overseas. During a 20-year period in the Navy, AGs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment: Men and women in the AG rating perform their duties in clean, comfortable office-like environments. Their work is usually mental, is done closely with others and requires little supervision.

Opportunity Rating:

E-1 to E-4 E-5 E-6
2 2 2
1 = Currently undermanned
2 = Currently manned at desired levels
3 = Currently overmanned

Note: Levels are as of 10 December 2003. Subject to change without notice.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/mil ... 2/blag.htm

My advice is to see a recruiter to take the placement test. IF you score the 162, tell them you want AG "A" School--AND NOTHING ELSE. Get it in writing, if they can guarantee you a spot. Don't let them snow you with the line that you can pick what you want after boot camp. Have your contract for AG "A" school in hand before you sign the enlistment papers and ship out for basic training. <<I can't stress this enough


This way you get trained and paid for it at the same time, get experience in the field, can take college courses on some naval stations you may be assigned duty, and did I say, get paid for it?


If you flunk out though, they still own you, so be prepared to be a deckhand/swabbie in that event. Ask about that too.


If you're married, your spouse must be prepared for the seperation factors. Or if you find a sweetheart, that will be something to consider too. This isn't exactly 'settling down' but it's a great adventure (sorry for the cliche) if you're up to the challenge. Hope you don't get sea sick.


But please dear, don't blame me if you end up a couple years on the wx desk at Baghdad International airport. Or some obscure air field on the Russian border.

Does the Air Force have a similar program/rating/MOS?


OTOH, you can spend (borrow, beg) the big bucks and go the safer college route...

[pojo]

Just to back up pojo, there is nothing that easy about calculus and physics!! It might take some work, but if you are really passionate about weather you can find your way through there and become a great meteorologist. Like I hope to do!!!

Calculus is NOT easy.... I struggled to get through Calc II. I still need to take Calc III and Differential. Neither of those are easy. Math is my easy subject... but apparently Calculus is not. You need a different mind set for Calculus. Physics (calculus based) was easy... you should be fine. Keep your head in the books, and sometimes teaching yourself calculus helps you advance.

Sometimes it works out to start at a smaller university and then transfer into the school that has meteorology. I'll be graduating from Wisconsin-Green Bay in May with a BS in Earth Science and then finishing up my meteorology degree at either Northern Illinois, Wisconsin or South Alabama (2nd Bachelors). Meteorology is such a small major that you probably will be 'pipelined' by your professors. (Your professors track your progress). My advisor is one such person. Each semester they will ask what classes you are taking and how your grades are. Make sure you keep a certain GPA...preferably above a 3.0, but if you are over 2.5 they pretty much are still satisfied.

Speaking of the Air Force, you asked the right person... Yes the Air Force has a program..... you will have to be ACTIVE duty though. You can pursue a officer commission by enrolling in ROTC during college, which some schools offer an association with Meteorology. When my time comes, I am going to cross train into the Meteorology possibly with the Hurricane Hunters (yes, I am a AF Reservist)

Books you ask.... I have been in the process of reading weather books. Here is a few that you might be interested in:
* somewhat recommended
** highly recommended
Isaac's Storm by Eric Larson **Galveston 1900 Hurricane
Storm Watchers by John D. Cox *History of Meteorology
Storm of the Century by Willie Drye **Keys 1935 Labor Day Storm
Hurricane Watch by Dr. Bob Sheets** Forecasting Hurricanes
The Perfect Storm by Sabastian Junger Halloween Storm (next on my reading list)
The Ship and the Storm by Jim Carrier Hurricane Mitch (reading list after Perfect Storm)

[pojo]

For Example this is the curricula for University of South Alabama:

Meteorology Core
MET 341: Climatology
MET 353: General Meteorology
MET 354: Dynamics I
MET 355: Dynamics II
MET 356: Physical Meteorology
MET 357: Meteorological Instrumentation
MET 454: Synoptic Meteorology I
MET 455: Synoptic Meteorology II

Mathematics
MA 125: Calculus I
MA 126: Calculus II
MA 227: Calculus III
MA 238: Applied Differential Equations
ST 315: Applied Probability and Statistics

Physics
PH 201: Calculus-Based Physics I
PH 202: Calculus-Based Physics II

Computer Science
CIS 120: Problem Solving and Programming Concepts I or
MET 490: Computer Applications in Meteorology

Meteorology Tracks
Basic
GEO 332: Remote Sensing
GY 475: Hydrology
MET 492: Seminar in Radar Meteorology

Industrial
GY 475: Hydrology
MET 492: Seminar in Industrial Meteorology
MGT 300: Management Theory and Practice
MKT 320: Principles of Marketing

Broadcast
CA 240: Television Production I
CA 244: Radio Production
CA 250: Radio and Television Performance
MET 492: TV Weather Seminar

Environmental
GY 475: Hydrology
GEO 310: Environmental Earth Science
GEO 461: Computer Mapping and GIS


Electives
MET 456: Applied Climatology
MET 490: Quantitative Techniques in Meteorology
MET 492: Tropical Meteorology Seminar
MET 494: Directed Studies
MET 496: Internship

***** However, each Meteorology program is different.... some are more synoptic, others are tropical (Hawaii, FSU), and some are climatological. The main universities... Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Penn State are primarily research schools and are leaders in the meteorology field.

[NWIASpotter]

I have a list of the top undergraduate meteorology schools as listed by the Gourman Report. Here they are, ratings are on a scale up to 5.

Cornell (NY) 4.9
MIT 4.88
Iowa State 4.84
Penn State 4.81
Kansas 4.76
Michigan 4.72
Purdue 4.68
NC State 4.61
Oklahoma 4.55
Texas A&M 4.54

[azskyman]

Those are all great schools, and the discussion about the calculus and physics is true...it is tough.

You become a meteorologist when you get the degree. Like Pojo, I got my degree in Earth Sciences...so I considered myself a scientist after that.

Mississippi State still has their unique weather degree program that you can take via correspondence (I suspect they have an online version now). It was originally designed for broadcast meteorologists and was challenged by a lot of "degreed meteorology" schools as being given too much credibility for a correspondence course.

Truth is, however, some very good broadcast weather folks have gone through that program.

As for NIU, Pojo, I just sent a congratulatory message to one of their meteorology graduates, Melissa Barrington of TWC. That school has produced some well respected and highly regarded meteorologists and climatologists like Tom Karl of NCDC among others.

Is Dr. John Snow still on the faculty at Oklahoma? He's not only a super climatologist, but a veteran of Desert Storm!!

[pojo]

Poppysky, my advisor graduated from NIU, as did one of our local chief meteorologists. If I attend NIU, I can still drill at General Mitchell IAP-ARS in Milwaukee... which would be a good idea. I'm not sure what college I'll be accepted into. Its just a waiting game now.