Bachelors In

Meteorology Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
Table of Contents

Why We Love It

  • $90,210
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192021.htm for 19-2021 Atmospheric and space scientists 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of science in meteorology, you’ll gain the education needed to work as a weatherman news anchor, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, or a storm chaser and photographer.

You’ll study concepts in the earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to predict weather patterns and issue notices designed to protect the public.

What is a Degree in Meteorology?

Meteorology is an important discipline. By predicting upcoming weather patterns, meteorologists can help people dress appropriately for the day and—more importantly—take measures to ensure their safety when dangerous weather is approaching.

Meteorologists identify approaching weather patterns—storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rains that could cause flooding, and blizzards. They identify weather patterns and systems that present threats and notify the public of the approaching weather systems.

In a bachelor’s degree in meteorology program, you’ll learn how to identify, analyze, and predict severe weather. You’ll study atmospheric dynamics, climatology, and physics, which will enable you to predict when weather is approaching and anticipate the severity of the event.

You may also choose to take classes in weathercasting, allowing you to present the weather to viewers of local and national news programs. You’ll also take lab courses where you’ll learn how to use important meteorological instruments.

Recommended Schools

What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Meteorology?

  • Physical Climatology
  • Weather Analysis and Forecasting
  • Atmospheric Dynamics
  • Meteorological Computation
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Weathercasting
  • Meteorological Instrumentation and Observations
  • Operational Meteorology

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Meteorology?

Most meteorologists begin their careers working with the National Weather Service—a national government bureau designed to alert the public about impending severe weather.

However, there are ample opportunities for meteorologists to find work after graduation. Many go on to work for local news outlets as weathermen, and some do the same for national outlets like the Weather Channel. Others find work as storm chasers and photographers, having their expeditions appear on national television.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Meteorology will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Recommended Schools

Best Jobs for Meteorology Degrees

With a degree in meteorology, your career will be focused on the atmospheric sciences, but there are a number of ways you can put your knowledge to use. You may find work as a news weatherman—either in front of the camera presenting the news or behind the scenes preparing the broadcast.

You may find work with the National Weather Service, predicting weather from locations throughout the country. Or you may work as a storm chaser, filming major weather events for national television shows.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Meteorology degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Meteorology are also interested in the following degrees.

Start Towards Your Meteorology Degree, Free.

Generate your free SmartPlan™ to identify schools you like, and potential ways to save on your degree or certification program with courses, offers, and much more!

Get Started