Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Climate Science
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General
• Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology
• Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
• Meteorology
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. For research positions, these scientists typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. In addition, experience gained through an internship or by volunteering while in college may be helpful.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A bachelor's degree with a major in meteorology (or a closely related field like atmospheric sciences, climatology or hydrology) is the typical minimum requirement for beginning work as a meteorologist. Courses taken should include weather analysis and forecasting, dynamic meteorology, calculus and physics.

"Remember, this is a science," says Doug Steyn. He leads a university atmospheric science program. "Anyone thinking of meteorology as a career should like working in the areas of math, physics and computers."

Those in the field say getting a graduate degree, like a master's or PhD, will increase your chance of getting a job and being promoted. Research and teaching positions require a graduate degree.

Most meteorological programs are offered through a university's department of atmospheric science. Check with each university to find out the name of the department handling meteorology.

Once you've become a meteorologist, "be prepared to think, be prepared to be wrong a lot, and be prepared to hear about it from the average John Doe on the street," says meteorologist Jim Loznicka.

Extra Requirements

Although not required, professional certification may benefit atmospheric scientists in some fields. For example, forensic meteorologists may enhance their credibility for testimony if they have the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Certified Consulting Meteorologist credential. Certification demonstrates a level of knowledge that employers often value. For example, employers of broadcast meteorologists may prefer to hire candidates who have the AMS designation of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.ametsoc.org