Seeking Recommendations for Meteorologist Schools

Hello everyone, I've been seriously considering pursuing meteorology as my major. Does anyone have suggestions for good colleges that offer robust meteorology programs? As an aside, if I want to work as a meteorologist in the future, are there any particular classes or extracurriculars you would recommend in high school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there!

For meteorology, a few schools come to mind as having strong programs. Pennsylvania State University has one of the leading meteorology departments in the country. They offer a Bachelor of Science program which is recognized by the American Meteorological Society. University of Oklahoma is another top choice, well-regarded for its meteorology program and its Severe Storms Research team.

Florida State University is also noteworthy, as they have a significant amount of research funding. Students often have opportunities to get involved in research even as undergrads, which would be a major boost on your resume when applying for jobs or grad school.

In terms of high school preparation, a strong background in math and physical science is a plus. Take AP Calculus and AP Physics if they are offered at your school. These subjects form the foundation of the atmospheric science courses you'll take in college. Computer science also plays an important role in many meteorology careers these days, so it could be useful to take some coding classes or learn a coding language.

Regarding extracurriculars, anything that involves weather, climate change, or environmental science would be beneficial. You could participate in relevant science fairs, join or start a meteorology or climate club, or seek internships or shadowing opportunities with local meteorologists or weather stations.

Increasing your knowledge and understanding, enhancing your passion, and showcasing your dedication to the field through these activities could make your profile more enigmatic to college admissions officers. This could open the door to more opportunities in your field of interest.

Just keep in mind to focus more on quality rather than quantity for your extracurriculars. A few deeply involved activities related to meteorology would be more impressive and beneficial than various unconnected activities.

Hope this helps and good luck!