How to Become a Meteorologist

The responsibilities of meteorologists include forecasting the weather, researching weather phenomena, and analyzing air pollution and global warming data. An advanced degree is necessary for any type of research work.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• College Catalogs
• Individual School Requirements And Application
• Postage Stamps
• Pens
• Stationery

1. Concentrate on math and science classes while you're still in high school. Taking advanced classes in those fields, if possible, will be to your benefit.

2. Maintain as high an overall grade point average as possible.

3. Ask your guidance counselor for a list of colleges that offer a bachelor of science degree (B.S.) in meteorology. There are fewer than 20 in the United States, so competition is great.

4. Obtain admissions information and applications to colleges well before your senior year in high school.

5. Familiarize yourself with the work of different types of meteorologists, and plan your degree and career accordingly. Make certain that you go to a college that offers the courses required by the National Weather Service (nws.noaa.gov), regardless of your eventual goals in the field.

6. Be aware that you can sometimes obtain a B.S. in a related science field, such as physics, and then be hired for a number of meteorological positions. However, you would need to have taken a number of mandatory meteorological courses as an undergraduate.

7. Choose appropriate electives or minors. For example, if you want to be a TV weather person, journalism and communications courses will be necessary.

8. Plan to obtain a master of science degree (M.S.) in meteorology as soon as possible in order to achieve any career advancement plans, and in order to do research and development work. (For more information, see American Meteorological Society at ametsoc.org.)

9. Work at internships throughout your college years. They can provide the necessary recommendations to help you toward future degrees and employment.

10. Consider eventually receiving a Ph.D. if you want to do any intensive research or teach at a university.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that meteorologists may be required to work nights and/or weekends if they are involved in any area of weather forecasting. There may also be pressure to meet deadlines during times of weather emergencies.

• Consider private weather consulting firms for employment, since the federal government recently hired all meteorologists needed in the near future at its weather stations.

• Include air pollution meteorology classes in your course list. Individuals will be needed in the 21st century to research and interpret data related to that area. Remember that those positions will require a master's degree.

• Consult your professors for required computer proficiency in the meteorological field, and take the needed classes as soon as possible during your undergraduate years.

• Obtain professional certification through the American Meteorological Society.