Brooke Noble
Thank you so much for the replies! I appreciate it so much. I will think about what you have said and do some more research. I would like to work at a meterology station.
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Bobby Prentice
Attend your local community college during your Freshman and Sophomore years
One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was from my high school trigonometry teacher. He happened to be on a lot of college entrance boards and had some keen insights. He said you should save yourself a bunch of money by living at home and spending the first two years at your local community college.
Where you go to college the first two years doesn't really matter. Freshman and sophomore level college courses are pretty much the same everywhere. Plus, this will give you two more years to choose a major. Just make sure the credits will transfer.
Fortunately for me, The University of Oklahoma (OU) was in my hometown of Norman so I was able to live at home the entire time. Plus, OU was (and still is) one of the best bargains in America. I was able to obtain a world-class meteorology education on the cheap.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was from my high school trigonometry teacher. He happened to be on a lot of college entrance boards and had some keen insights. He said you should save yourself a bunch of money by living at home and spending the first two years at your local community college.
Where you go to college the first two years doesn't really matter. Freshman and sophomore level college courses are pretty much the same everywhere. Plus, this will give you two more years to choose a major. Just make sure the credits will transfer.
Fortunately for me, The University of Oklahoma (OU) was in my hometown of Norman so I was able to live at home the entire time. Plus, OU was (and still is) one of the best bargains in America. I was able to obtain a world-class meteorology education on the cheap.
Jim Bishop
EF4
Having graduate from OU I have to recommend it as it really is a great program with some outstanding teachers. It's especially good for anyone that wants to either 1)study severe storms, or 2)go into research. There are also voluntary things you can participate in if you want to get into forecasting or even broadcast meteorology. Last, but not least, you are in a great location to chase storms in the spring!
Penn State is a great school. If you want to become a great forecaster, go there. They have forecasting classes and from what I understand a new map room with all kinds of good stuff.
I'ver heard good things about Florida State. They seem to be the school most focussed on the tropics.
Plymouth State University in NH has a smaller but great program. From what I understand they focus quite a lot on synoptic meteorology.
Northern Illinois University, from what I've been told, has a really good program as well. Their program is structured similar to OU's.
The University of Nebraska also has a pretty good program.
Penn State is a great school. If you want to become a great forecaster, go there. They have forecasting classes and from what I understand a new map room with all kinds of good stuff.
I'ver heard good things about Florida State. They seem to be the school most focussed on the tropics.
Plymouth State University in NH has a smaller but great program. From what I understand they focus quite a lot on synoptic meteorology.
Northern Illinois University, from what I've been told, has a really good program as well. Their program is structured similar to OU's.
The University of Nebraska also has a pretty good program.
Dustin Wilcox
EF5
Might save you some money, but it'll cut you short on some good experiences, good friends and GREAT times. Living in the dorms and Greek houses your freshman and sophomore years is nothing short of a once in a lifetime experience worth every penny. I agree with what several others have voiced, as an undergrad the campus and surrounding area/activities is as, if not slightly more important than the curriculum. IMO it's not worth skipping out on what a major university has to offer, merely to save a little money at a community college.
Stephen Barabas
EF0
Choosing a college to attend for a specific program (in this case, meteorology) is quasi-related to selecting a wine. There are many varieties to choose from where you may taste them (Read up, see what they have to offer you). But in the end you'll more than likely prefer a few out of a great bunch offered.
I agree with this statement "it's not the college you go to, it's the student that makes the difference." Respect that.
1. You choose what's of taste to you.
2. Once you've chosen, make the most out of it.
You're putting money into gaining education and a degree document. So no matter where you go make sure you apply yourself. That's all which truly matters.
I agree with this statement "it's not the college you go to, it's the student that makes the difference." Respect that.
1. You choose what's of taste to you.
2. Once you've chosen, make the most out of it.
You're putting money into gaining education and a degree document. So no matter where you go make sure you apply yourself. That's all which truly matters.
Karen St John
EF3
Personally, I'm looking at going as a transfer undergraduate student to Central Michigan University. It's accessible to me, its program is building itself up, and I can do in-state tuition. University of Michigan is also a possibility, given that I live in Ann Arbor.
I actually have a Master's degree - in History. Would you like fries with that? But since the state of Michigan has a standardized transfer curriculum, I don't have to repeat my lower division coursework.
Then maybe...OU for graduate school? I already know how to write grants, and at that point, money won't be as big an issue, hopefully.
As for just starting in college...there are so many wonderful things that can happen for undergraduates, if one is open to them. I would say take whatever opportunity you can to grow yourself.
Then again, maybe joining the Navy might be good for you.
It's your future to make whatever you wish of it.
I actually have a Master's degree - in History. Would you like fries with that? But since the state of Michigan has a standardized transfer curriculum, I don't have to repeat my lower division coursework.
Then maybe...OU for graduate school? I already know how to write grants, and at that point, money won't be as big an issue, hopefully.
As for just starting in college...there are so many wonderful things that can happen for undergraduates, if one is open to them. I would say take whatever opportunity you can to grow yourself.
Then again, maybe joining the Navy might be good for you.
It's your future to make whatever you wish of it.
Last edited by a moderator:
mikegeukes
EF5
Interesting article in the November 2009 BAMS Bulletin
What Does It Take to Get into Graduate School?
A Survey of Atmospheric Science Programs
by John W. Nielsen-Gammon, Lourdes B. Aviles and Everett Joseph
http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0477/90/11/pdf/i1520-0477-90-11-1698.pdf
Mike
http://supercellweather.blogspot.com
What Does It Take to Get into Graduate School?
A Survey of Atmospheric Science Programs
by John W. Nielsen-Gammon, Lourdes B. Aviles and Everett Joseph
http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0477/90/11/pdf/i1520-0477-90-11-1698.pdf
Mike
http://supercellweather.blogspot.com
Brooke Noble
Thank you so much for the replies. They are very helpful!!
Brooke Noble
I want to thank all of you who answered my question. Also everyone else on Stormtrack that i have met on here, Thank you for being so kind to just take time and talk you me!!
Brooke Noble
Brooke Noble
B Doss
EF2
I didn't see it but I just onced-over this thread so forgive me if it already has been mentioned. I'm enrolled at TTU, they offer a M.S. in Atmospheric Sciences, which is what I will pursue when I finish this current degree in Geophysics. The Atmospheric Sciences group is joint venture with the geosciences department and requires you to obtain a degree through that school first, with either a math or atmo minor, to then apply for admission to the program. From there, you could stop, transfer, or pursue a PhD in wind engineering, as I hope to do. I have enjoyed the Geosciences ciriculum far more than I anticipated, though the -physics degree is very saturated with mathematics, as are all degree programs in this field.
http://www.atmo.ttu.edu/index.php
http://www.atmo.ttu.edu/index.php
JeffGonzales
EF2
I agree with B on this as well. I just graduated from Tech with a Geoscience degree and had Atmo courses that were very good. I know the Wind Science in the Atmo for graduate program is a big thing there at Tech. They were also apart of both of the Vortex programs i believe. Also your in a great location to chase while you go there. That is how i got intrested in chasing. Texas Tech A+ in my book for the Grad program.
IAN GIAMMANCO
EF0
Just a quick piece of info with regards to TTU, we do offer a PhD in Atmospheric Science however funding is very limited for PhD students. These students are often "hand" selected by faculty.
The PhD in Wind Science and Engineering is expanding and does offer more funding opportunities. The program/curriculum can be tailored to an emphasis in the disciplines within the program (Atmo, Civil Eng, mechanical Eng, Econ etc).
And I'll throw in my .02 or .17 cents on my undergrad degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I was well prepared for graduate school after I finished at ULM, the program however is geared more toward operational forecasting demands. Likely since there is no graduate program there in ATMO. I would reccommend ULM to anyone in the region who is looking to puruse a BS in meteorology.
The PhD in Wind Science and Engineering is expanding and does offer more funding opportunities. The program/curriculum can be tailored to an emphasis in the disciplines within the program (Atmo, Civil Eng, mechanical Eng, Econ etc).
And I'll throw in my .02 or .17 cents on my undergrad degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I was well prepared for graduate school after I finished at ULM, the program however is geared more toward operational forecasting demands. Likely since there is no graduate program there in ATMO. I would reccommend ULM to anyone in the region who is looking to puruse a BS in meteorology.
B Doss
EF2
I now have a new goal in my life.
But, I realize I still have quite a distance to go between here and there -- as I perch here at my place of employment, full time hours rolling by on the clock; as I'm just now this afternoon embracing the complete allure of Cal I at my desk, LOL. And yes, the locale is primo for chasing & the education I'm receiving here at TTU is unquestionably par excellence.
Jordan Bell
EF0
Late to the party on this Thread, but another school that offers a program is the University of Missouri. We are a small program compared to to the OU's and PSU's but we have a very close group of students. We also get alot of hands on experience here in Columbia. If you are looking for broadcasting the nice thing is the University owns the local NBC station so alot of students do get actual on camera work. If you are still looking or have any questions feel free to PM me.
Zack Hargrove
EF2
I am a student at UNCA and I for one love it. You get small class sizes at a fairly prestigious liberal arts state school. The teachers are VERY knowledgeable and helpful in internships and taking time outside of class to help understand harder concepts. There are many undergrad research opps and a very passionate student group.
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