Preparation
 A
bachelor's degree in meteorology
or atmospheric science, or in a closely related field with courses in
meteorology, usually is the minimum educational requirement for an
entry-level position as an atmospheric scientist. A
master's degree is necessary for
some positions, and a Ph.D. degree
is required for most basic research positions.
The preferred educational
requirement for entry-level meteorologists in the Federal Government is
a bachelor's degree -- not necessarily in meteorology -- with at least
24 semester hours of meteorology/atmospheric science courses, including
6 hours in the analysis and prediction of weather systems, 6 hours of
atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, 3 hours of physical
meteorology, and 2 hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere or
instrumentation. Other required courses include 3 semester hours of
ordinary differential equations, 6 hours of college physics, and at
least 9 hours of courses appropriate for a physical science major --
such as statistics,
chemistry, physical
oceanography, physical climatology, physical hydrology, radiative
transfer, aeronomy (the study of the upper atmosphere), advanced
thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics,
and computer science. Sometimes, a
combination of education and appropriate experience may be substituted
for a degree.
 Although
positions in operational meteorology are available for those with only a
bachelor's degree, obtaining a second bachelor's degree or a master's
degree enhances employment opportunities, pay, and advancement
potential. A master's degree usually is necessary for conducting applied
research and development, and a Ph.D. is required for most basic
research positions. Students planning on a career in research and
development do not necessarily need to major in atmospheric science or
meteorology as an undergraduate. In fact, a bachelor's degree in
mathematics, physics, or engineering provides excellent preparation for
graduate study in atmospheric science.
Because atmospheric science
is a small field, relatively few colleges and universities offer degrees
in meteorology or atmospheric science, although many departments of
physics, earth science, geography, and geophysics offer atmospheric
science and related courses. In 2007, the American Meteorological
Society listed approximately
100
undergraduate and graduate atmospheric science programs. Many of
these programs combine the study of meteorology with another field, such
as agriculture, hydrology, oceanography, engineering, or physics. For
example, hydrometeorology is the blending of hydrology (the science of
Earth's water) and meteorology, and is the field concerned with the
effect of precipitation on the hydrologic cycle and the environment.
Prospective students should
make certain that courses required by the National Weather Service and
other employers are offered at the college they are considering.
Computer science courses, additional meteorology courses, a strong
background in mathematics and physics, and good communication skills are
important to prospective employers.
 Students
should also take courses in subjects that are most relevant to their
desired area of specialization. For example, those who wish to become
broadcast meteorologists for radio or television stations should develop
excellent communication skills through courses in speech, journalism,
and related fields. Students interested in air quality work should take
courses in chemistry and supplement their technical training with
coursework in policy or government affairs. Prospective meteorologists
seeking opportunities at weather consulting firms should possess
knowledge of business, statistics, and economics, as an increasing
emphasis is being placed on long-range seasonal forecasting to assist
businesses.
The American Meteorological
Society (AMS) offers professional certification for consulting
meteorologists, administered by a Board of Certified Consulting
Meteorologists. Applicants must meet formal education requirements, pass
an examination to demonstrate thorough meteorological knowledge, have a
minimum of 5 years of experience or a combination of experience plus an
advanced degree, and provide character references from fellow
professionals. In addition, AMS also offers professional certification
for broadcast meteorologists.
Note:
Some resources in this section are provided by the the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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