Let's talk Universities with Meteorological Programs.

[Jason Foster]

In another Forum, I saw a question about Universities with Meteorological programs. I could not answer since I have not spent time in such a program. I think it would be a good thread to have current students, past students (and maybe even drop out students) talk about their impressions of the different Meteorological Programs available in the United States. I can see professors chiming in on this one too.

I post this here (rather than Bar & Grill) so that non-members may view it. I guess it could also go into the Educational section if a better fit.

 

[Jason Boggs]

I never went there, but I know LOTS of folks that graduated from OU with a met degree. They always have great things to say about the program. Bottom line; it's a top notch school for the serious met student.

 

[Chris Nuttall]

It all depends on what you want to do. If mesoscale convective weather is your thing, then the University of Oklahoma is at the top of the list. I'm biased, so sue me. If tropical meteorology is your interest, you should probably investigate other school like Florida State, Penn State, or Miami. If you want to go to graduate school, that's another thing to consider. What do you want to research? Radar meteorology? Climate? Modeling?

When considering a meteorology program, first and foremost on the list should be whether the focus of the school's research interests you.

 

[Jake Wallentine]

I am a sophomore at OU right now, but another good tropical school i've heard is Colorado St.

 

[Jayson Prentice]

Keep in mind though Jake that CSU only offers a MS or PhD in Atmospheric Science, there is no undergraduate program to my knowledge. Here is a nice site that as far as I know if up to date with the colleges/universities that offer degrees in meteorology:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/faq/schools.html

I know we are going to see a lot of responses for OU, which is understood beings it is a top program. But, there are also a lot more schools then you think that have programs that are very good in their field. Each individual needs to do their own research, go and visit campuses, talk to professors, etc. You have to find out whether or not you are going to be comfortable there.

 

[Lou Ruh]

Here is a nice site that as far as I know if up to date with the colleges/universities that offer degrees in meteorology:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/faq/schools.html

I am not sure how up to date this is. For example, the list includes Drexel University and, unless things have changed recently and I missed it, their "Atmospheric Science" program has not been an active program in well over 30 years (when I was enrolled), at least as an undergraduate program. I took a quick look and there are still a few undergraduate "atmospheric science" courses in their undergraduate courses in their catalog and some graduate level courses, but, that may not mean much.

 

[Patrick Martin]

Metro State College in Denver offers an undergraduate met degree. I believe there are several members here that have either gone through the program or are still in it.

 

[Robert Edmonds]

The physics department a New Mexico Tech has a lightning program. While I was never a student there, I got a tour of their labs. I'm not sure what it has to offer for undergad or grad students in the way of a program. It's at least pretty neat stuff they do up there. I also know I had chased with a group of students once from CSU.

 

[Jayson Prentice]

I guess my link above may not have been the most up-to-date resource, but I still believe that it is useful nonetheless. Another site that might be more informative and current would be one through UCAR, at least any university who collaborates and receives information through UCAR, which should be all, is listed on here.

http://www.ametsoc.org/amsucar_curricula/curriculaDegree.cfm

The site has some good information on there as well, what type of grants the school already has, number of students, course and faculty listings, etc...

 

[mikegeukes]

NWA UNIVERSITY LISTING
Degree Programs in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science
http://www.nwas.org/links/universities.php

Mike

 

[Charley Kelly]

Other considerations one may want to make when choosing a school are:
1. Cost of school
2. Student to Faculty Ratio
3. Area of Interest within school, i.e. key interest
of faculty.

I personally attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe and got a great education. I loved the one on one interaction within a small atmospheric science program. I believe was key in my development as a meteorologist. There are several programs just like ULM out there that I have had friends attend. A few that I know of are South Alabama, Plymouth State to name a few.

 

[Dann Cianca]

Metro State College in Denver offers an undergraduate met degree. I believe there are several members here that have either gone through the program or are still in it.

I just graduated from Metro State in May. The program is intimate and small. They are currently remodeling the science building, so hopefully classroom and lab space will increase. Dr. Sam Ng has taken the reins of the program recently and has been really ambitious and motivated about its success.

I lived in Colorado for a year prior to enrollment and as a result, qualified for in-state ... which is VERY, VERY affordable. The campus is located in downtown Denver and is very diverse ... with three separate colleges and a combined enrollment of 40,000+. You pay a mass transit fee included in tuition which gives you free ride of the city's huge bus and light rail system. They also work really well with transfer students.

Plus, there are many meteorology based companies in the area that love to have local interns. If you're into broadcast at all, the ABC affiliate also works close with the school for internships (unpaid like most broadcast).

I really enjoyed my experience there.

 

[Chris Allington]

University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a 4 year undergrad program thats pretty small as well. Personally I decided to persue something else becuase I decided I am not that much of a math junkie.

 

[Angie K Holliday]

I went to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. The degree I got was a geography degree with meteorology emphasis, but the year after I graduated they added the meteorology degree itself. I also got a math minor along with that.