What Education Is Needed for a Weather Forecaster?
Atmospheric scientists, or weather forecasters, specialize in a study of the physical characteristics, motion and processes of the Earth's atmosphere. Weather forecasters also predict climate trends, global warming, droughts and ozone depletion. The minimum education requirement for weather forecaster jobs is a bachelor's degree in meteorology or related fields. Individuals seeking advanced careers in this field should have a master's degree. Meteorology researchers must have a Ph.D.
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Bachelor's Degree
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A bachelor's degree program in meteorology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive training in atmospheric science. Students take courses in mathematics, computer science, physics and chemistry. A bachelor's degree in meteorology prepares students for entry-level careers in the private and public sectors. Meteorologist with a bachelor's degree can also work in entry-level research jobs for government and environmental organizations. In addition to their classroom instruction, meteorology students receive hands-on training in media and radio forecasting techniques.
Curriculum
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Undergraduates enrolled in a meteorology program receive theoretical and practical instruction. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for work as radio and television weather analysts. Graduates from the program can also work for the National Weather Service or as atmospheric sciences researchers. Undergraduates who wish to advance their training in atmospheric science can further their studies by enrolling into a masters or doctoral program. In addition to satisfying core course requirements, students must take elective courses in the liberal arts.
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Course Highlights
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Undergraduate courses in meteorology consist of introductory and advanced courses such as introduction to weather, global climate change, climatology and physical meteorology. Introductory courses in meteorology provide students with a foundation in basic concepts and theoretical trajectories in the field. Important topics include atmospheric stability, heat, balance and severe weather. Students are required to analyze U.S. government weather charts and diagrams. Meteorology majors learn techniques of television and radio production and computer applications in meteorology.
Considerations
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Meteorology is a relatively small field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, college departments such as physics, Earth science, geography and geophysics offer courses in atmospheric science. There are approximately 100 meteorology programs in the United States that are listed in the American Meteorological Society. Prospective students should ensure that their college provides courses that meet the requirements of the National Weather Service. The American Meteorological Society certifies weather forecasters. Employment opportunities for weather forecasters are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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References
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