Meteorology Graduate Programs

Meteorology graduate students should ideally possess the following qualities:

• Background in mathematics/science/physics
• Good verbal communication skills
• Interest in research
• Strong computer/technological skills
• Adventurous

Meteorology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Masters programs in meteorology typically take 2-3 years to complete, Ph.D. programs typically take 5-7 years. Many masters programs offer a thesis or non-thesis course of study. Students can expect to spend a significant amount of time in a laboratory/research setting. Many programs offer graduate assistantships to help offset the cost of tuition. Curriculum offerings vary between schools, check with your school of choice for details. Meteorology graduate students might study the following course topics:

• Atmospheric physics
• Climate change
• Dynamic meteorology
• Transportation meteorology
• Numerical weather prediction
• Computer applications in meteorology
• Elements of linear algebra
• Numerical analysis using the computer

Most programs require applicants to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, a resume, transcripts and TOFEL scores if necessary.

Meteorology Career Paths

Meteorologists may pursue careers in a variety of settings; industries of employment might include:

• Federal government
• Research and development
• Academia
• Broadcasting
• Other professional or technical services

Meteorologist could also work to develop different fields of expertise. They may specialize in the following fields:

• Broadcast meteorology
• Climate science
• Forensic meteorology
• Research meteorology
• Forecasting

Meteorology Future Job Outlook

According to The Bureau of Labor Statisticsthe 2010 median salary for atmospheric scientists and meteorologists was $87,780. Meteorologists working for the federal government earned a median salary of $95,460, those working in research and development earned a median salary of $87,130, meteorologists working at colleges or universities earned a median salary of $81,010. Radio and television broadcasters earned a median salary of $80,250, and individuals working in other professional and scientific services earned a median salary of $57,860. The top 10% of earners in this field made more than $132,130 a year, the bottom 10% or earners made less than $45,050. Salaries vary according to experience, education, location, industry and company. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for meteorologists are expected to grow by 11% between 2010 and 2020; this is slower than the average of all other jobs.

The chart below illustrates median salaries for selected meteorology industries.

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012 -13 Ed.