A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, or
in a closely related field with courses in meteorology, usually is the
minimum educational requirement for an entry-level position as an
atmospheric scientist.
The preferred educational requirement for entry-level meteorologists in the Federal Government is a
bachelor’s degree—not necessarily in meteorology—with at least 24
semester hours of meteorology courses, including 6 hours in the
analysis and prediction of weather systems, 6 hours of atmospheric
dynamics and thermodynamics, 3 hours of physical meteorology, and 2
hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere or instrumentation. Other
required courses include 3 semester hours of ordinary differential
equations, 6 hours of college physics, and at least 9 hours of courses
appropriate for a physical science major—such as statistics, chemistry,
physical oceanography, physical climatology, physical hydrology,
radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced
electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.
Sometimes, a combination of education and appropriate experience may be
substituted for a degree.
Although positions in operational meteorology are available for those with only a bachelor’s degree,
obtaining a second bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree enhances
employment opportunities and advancement potential. A master’s degree
usually is necessary for conducting applied research and development,
and a Ph.D. is required for most basic research positions. Students
planning on a career in research and development need not necessarily
major in atmospheric science or meteorology as an undergraduate. In
fact, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering
provides excellent preparation for graduate study in atmospheric
science.
Because atmospheric science is a small field,
relatively few colleges and universities offer degrees in meteorology
or atmospheric science, although many departments of physics, earth
science, geography, and geophysics offer atmospheric science and
related courses. Prospective students should make certain that courses
required by the National Weather Service and other employers are
offered at the college they are considering. Computer science courses,
additional meteorology courses, a strong background in mathematics and
physics, and good communication skills are important to prospective
employers. Many programs combine the study of meteorology with another
field, such as agriculture, oceanography, engineering, or physics. For
example, hydrometeorology is the blending of hydrology (the science of
Earth’s water) and meteorology, and is the field concerned with the
effect of precipitation on the hydrologic cycle and the environment.
Students who wish to become broadcast meteorologists for radio or
television stations should develop excellent communication skills
through courses in speech, journalism, and related fields. Those
interested in air quality work should take courses in chemistry and
supplement their technical training with coursework in policy or
government affairs. Prospective meteorologists seeking opportunities at
weather consulting firms should possess knowledge of business,
statistics, and economics, as an increasing emphasis is being placed on
long-range seasonal forecasting to assist businesses.
Beginning atmospheric scientists often do routine data collection, computation,
or analysis, and some basic forecasting. Entry-level operational
meteorologists in the Federal Government usually are placed in intern
positions for training and experience. During this period, they learn
about the Weather Service’s forecasting equipment and procedures, and
rotate to different offices to learn about various weather systems.
After completing the training period, they are assigned a permanent
duty station. Experienced meteorologists may advance to supervisory or
administrative jobs, or may handle more complex forecasting jobs. After
several years of experience, some meteorologists establish their own
weather consulting services.
The American Meteorological Society offers professional certification of consulting meteorologists,
administered by a Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists. Applicants must meet formal education requirements (though not necessarily have a college degree), pass an examination to demonstrate
thorough meteorological knowledge, have a minimum of 5 years of experience or a combination of experience plus an advanced degree, and provide character references from fellow professionals.
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