Best Colleges for Meteorology

The Meteorology bachelor’s degree Program focuses on the scientific study of atmospheric motion and climate change.

Includes instruction on how to predict weather patterns, including hurricanes and tornadoes. It also discusses atmospheric predictability, which affects our everyday lives through unpredictable events such as rainstorms. 

This unpredictability can’t be predicted by computer models alone, but instead relies heavily upon large-scale factoring like humidity levels at different heights above sea level (or land).

Study of Meteorology
Image Credit: phdstudies.com

There are also other parameters related to this field including statistical analysis techniques for determining probability distribution functions when there is no data available-this includes gathering information from observations made over time about how often certain types occur. 

  • Students can earn up to a master’s degree if they pursue it beyond bachelor’s level studies. 
  • On average, 59% of men and 41% of women get a degree in Meteorology at different colleges. 
  • Out of all the US states, Oklahoma has the most people who get a degree in Meteorology.

Best Colleges to Study Meteorology

There are many great colleges for meteorology across the United States. Some of the best include:

1. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.

The university also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

2. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology.

Undergraduate students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology. Texas A&M is home to a state-of-the-art weather facility, and students have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced equipment in the field.

3. SUNY College

SUNY College at Oswego, NY is a great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology. Undergraduate students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology. 

SUNY Oswego is home to one of the largest weather facilities in the northeast, and students have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced equipment in the field.

4. The University of California Davis

The University of California Davis is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology.

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology. UC Davis has a state-of-the-art weather facility, and students have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced equipment in the field.

5. Cornell University

Cornell University is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.

Cornell also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

6. The University of Miami

The University of Miami is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology.

Undergraduate students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

7. The University of California

The University of California is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate. 

UCLA also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

8. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

9. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.

UGA also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

10. The University of California [UCSD]

The University of California is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate. 

UCSD also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

11. The University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

12. The University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate. 

UH, Manoa also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

13. Pennsylvania State University 

Pennsylvania State University is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology.

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

14. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.

MSU also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

15. University of Nebraska Lincoln

The University of Nebraska Lincoln is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

16. University of California Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate. UC Berkeley also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

17. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

18. Yale University 

Yale University is one of the best colleges for meteorology in the USA. The school offers a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, and students can expect to take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.

Yale also has a strong research program, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects. 

19. The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is another great choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology.

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology, while graduate students can earn a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology.

20. University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin in Madison is another excellent choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, with undergraduate degrees offered as either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology. Graduate students have the opportunity to earn either a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Meteorology from UW Madison.

21. Florida State University

Florida State University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology, with undergraduate students able to pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. Graduate students can earn either a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Meteorology from Florida State University. 

22. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is another excellent choice for students interested in studying meteorology. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, with undergraduate degrees offered as either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Meteorology. Graduate students have the opportunity to earn either a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Meteorology from Ohio State University.

23. Stony Brook University

If you’re looking for a smaller school experience, consider Stony Brook University. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences, and students can choose to focus their studies on meteorology. Stony Brook is located on Long Island, so students have the opportunity to study both marine and terrestrial meteorology. The university also has a strong research program, and students can work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.

How to Choose a College for Meteorology: Things to Consider

When choosing a college for meteorology, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • First, consider the type of program that you want to pursue.
  • Do you want to study at the undergraduate or graduate level?
  • Next, think about your location preferences.
  • Do you want to attend a school in a rural area or an urban area?
  • Finally, research the weather facilities at each school.
  • Make sure that the school has state-of-the-art equipment and a strong research program.

What are the benefits of studying meteorology at a college level?

  • First, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the atmospheric sciences.
  • You will take classes on topics like atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and climate.
  • Second, you will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Many colleges have weather facilities that allow students to work with the most advanced equipment in the field.
  • Third, you will have the opportunity to conduct research.
  • Many colleges have strong research programs, and you will be able to work with faculty members on cutting-edge projects.
  • Finally, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Many colleges offer financial assistance for students interested in studying meteorology.

Careers for Meteorology Major

There are many different careers you can pursue with a degree in Meteorology. Some of the most common jobs for Meteorology majors include:

  • Weather Broadcaster / Broadcast Meteorologist: Needs at least a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or a related field or a degree in meteorology.
  • Meteorologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Space Scientists: Needs at least a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or a related field.
  • Air Pollution Analyst
  • Climate Change Specialist / Climatologist
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Forecaster
  • Atmospheric Scientist: Needs at least a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or a related field.
  • Research meteorologist: Typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or a related field or a degree in meteorology.
  • Forecaster
  • Operational meteorologist: Typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, oceanography, or physics or a degree in meteorology.
  • Natural Sciences Manager: Needs at least a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or a related field.
  • Forensic meteorologist

Meteorology is a diverse field with many career paths. With the right education, you can pursue a career in atmospheric science, space science, or even mathematics. With a degree in meteorology, you can find a career that is both challenging and rewarding.

What are the top paying careers for Meteorologists?

The median wage for atmospheric and space scientists is $94,570 per year, making it one of the highest paying careers for meteorologists.

Natural sciences managers earn a median wage of $137,900 per year, making it the highest paying career for meteorologists.

Other tops paying careers for meteorologists include operations research analysts ($83,390), mathematicians and statisticians ($79,840), and atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary ($98,070).

The job outlook for meteorologists is good. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is projected to grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

The demand for atmospheric scientists will be driven by the need for more accurate weather forecasting as a result of increased severe weather events. 

In addition, the increasing use of computer models to forecast weather patterns will continue to create new jobs in this field.

Conclusion

Regardless of where you study, if you’re interested in a career in meteorology, make sure to get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. 

Join the American Meteorological Society or participate in undergraduate research opportunities. 

These experiences will not only look great on your resume, but they’ll also help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field.

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