What College?!

[Andrew Pritchard]

Northern Illinois University, from what I've been told, has a really good program as well. Their program is structured similar to OU's.

I'll +1 to Northern Illinois University.

Their meteorology department is closely tied in with their geography department, which is very highly touted for those with geography interests. A geography degree from NIU is very well respected. I'm on the last legs of a B.S. in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University but am also finishing with a Minor in Geography and certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which will be an added bonus on my resume` in the saturated Meteorology job market. My ultimate goal is grad degrees, so staying in-state for the first degree was a big pull to NIU as I'm saving a lot of money in the long run. I already knew several of the Met department staff via storm chasing, which was another added plus. There is nothing like being taught by a storm chaser that I've known and respected for years already! It's always good to have a relationship with your professors, so sitting down for lunch discussing past chases you shared is a great place to start!

Ultimately, as some have said you need to look at what works for you individually. Other's opinions can only be taken so far. For me, an in-state, but still decently large school with a respected Meteorology program and staff members I was already aquaintances with was an easy choice for my B.S.

 

[Phil Kurimski]

I think the small programs are severely under rated. I went to the little known school of SUNY Brockport. While that school is not on par with the Penn States or OUs of meteorology we had plenty of quality staff such as Greg Byrd...John Scala...Gary Lackmann and Robert Weinbeck...perhaps you have heard of these names ;-). The main benefit of not going to a big school with a big research program is the school focused a lot of its efforts on everyday forecasting...not worrying about getting the next big grant.

The most important thing is what Doswell talked about and that is you making the most of the experience. Graduating from OU will not guarantee you a job...and graduating from a small school does not mean you are out of the running for any job you apply for.