Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Meteorology Major, B.S.


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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The mission of the meteorology program is to provide students with an understanding of the chaotic atmosphere. Meteorology is an applied science that combines the fields of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science into an application of understanding the atmosphere. The program exposes students to all these disciplines, while in parallel applying these hard science concepts to mesoscale, synoptic, and global scale phenomena. Students will be prepared for careers in a wide range of atmospheric science vocations, as well as further studies in graduate school. Students will be prepared to communicate forecasts verbally and in written form using their own imagery, explain the reasoning for the forecast as well as the uncertainty and the reasons for uncertainty involved to a wide range of audiences. Students may pick from two concentrations. The Professional Meteorology concentration prepares students for careers with the National Weather Service or other government jobs by fulfilling their requirements. This concentration requires a math minor, needed for graduate studies in atmospheric science and related physical sciences. The Applied Meteorology concentration prepares students for a variety of other less math-intensive careers in meteorology, including some private industry, broadcasting, or other science-related careers. An advisor can help students choose the best concentration to fit their goals.  

Student Outcomes


  • Describe the general characteristics of the atmosphere, including physical processes and weather systems. 
  • Select and interpret appropriate weather and climate data, including in-situ and remotely sensed information, for different situations. 
  • Synthesize multiple types of weather and climate data to formulate short, medium, and long-range weather forecasts. 
  • Organize, analyze, and prepare written scientific reports. 
  • Create and deliver scientific presentations using multimedia techniques. 
  • Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to the analysis and interpretation of atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and radiation processes. 
  • Apply scientific computing skills using appropriate software and structured programming.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
  • A grade of D or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
  • A Mathematics minor is required for the Professional Meteorology Concentration, but not the Applied Meteorology Concentration. See below.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
    • Recommended: Students may fulfill this requirement by taking courses required for the meteorology major such as MTR 1400 - Weather and Climate  and the physics courses required for the major. 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits*)

 

* Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Select one of the following two concentrations:


Professional Meteorology Concentration Electives: 5 credits


Students choose 5 credits from the list below:

Applied Meteorology Concentration Electives: 12 credits


Students choose 12 credits from the list below:

Senior Experience: 3 credits


Summary of Requirements


Professional Meteorology Concentration  
General Studies Requirements 33 credits
Multicultural Requirement 0-3 credits
Meteorology Required Core Courses 23 credits
Concentration Required Courses 23 credits
Concentration Electives 5 credits
Required Mathematics Minor 24 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Unrestricted Electives 6-18 credits
Total for the Meteorology Major B.S. with Professional Meteorology Concentration 120 credits
   
Applied Meteorology Concentration  
General Studies Requirements 33 credits
Multicultural Requirement 0-3 credits
Meteorology Required Core Courses 23 credits
Concentration Required Courses 20 credits
Concentration Electives 12 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives 26-38 credits
Total for the Meteorology Major B.S with Applied Meteorology Concentration 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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