Visiteur

I know this thread isn't 100% related to what my question is, but it was the first one to show up in my search so..... Here I go! I'm a junior in high school who is interested in Meteorology, but right now I'm thinking I may be inclined to major in Aerospace engineering as it is a subject I really enjoy as well and the job prospects seem somewhat better. It is obviously a bit early, but I am compiling a list of prospective colleges to look at/apply to... So far, these are some of the schools on my list..

-University of Texas

-University of Washington

-Georgia Tech

-Rice University

-University of California San Diego

As might be able to tell, I am not really into staying around New England, but that could change. So after all that background, my question becomes, do any of these schools have Meteorology programs, and if so, what are their reputations? If I start college and don't like Aerospace, it'd be good to have Met as a fallback. Also, if there any other schools you guys think of that might suit my desires, I'm open to suggestions.

If they have programs, I've never met anyone from them, and I would have no comment from a perspective of "good" schools. But, if you go out from aerospace, to say, earth science with a focus on physics and/or mathematics, and do reasonably well, many graduate programs in atmospheric science/meteorology would be willing to consider you for admission. I met several people while doing my graduate work that fell into this description.

My personal rec would be to stay with aerospace. The market for specialized engineers is (in general) more lucrative and the field isn't nearly as crowded as meteorology is. But both choices are math and computer-focused, both of which are useful skill sets to have in this market.

EDIT: Actually, I do so know some undergrad UW folks, I just completely forgot when I was responding yesterday. Normally, I usually only think of UW's grad program, which is very highly regarded and research oriented. But their undergraduate program isn't bad either, from what I can tell. I have met one or two Georgia Tech meteorology graduate program alumni working at defense contractors, but otherwise I have never heard much about GT.

I'm definitely interested in the energy industry or doing short-term and long term forecasting operationally. Did you take any business classes or get a different minor to help you with that? It seems like that might be a plus...

I was a business minor in undergrad. As for my colleagues, I'm unsure (although I know one has a degree in landscape architecture, then went back to school for her bachelor's and master's in meteorology). I think that for someone looking to get involved in something in "business applications of meteorology", it brings something to the table to set you apart from other candidates.

In terms of the private sector more, do you guys think it benefits a lot to have a masters? Or could that make you over-qualified?

So, long-time lurker here. Doesn't say this on the profile, but I'm a meteorologist.

I think these days it's strongly preferable to have an advanced degree for most parts of the field. If you're doing broadcasting, there seems to be a bias against advanced degrees (they're looking for a communicator, so an advanced science degree is an overqualifier for most stations). But generally, a master's degree makes you a stronger prospect for job openings, and will allow you to advance further.

It's a double-edged sword with PhDs, however. The education is a plus. But, many private companies recognize that PhDs expect to be paid that much more, and that doesn't fit with a lot of bottom lines. If you're doing a PhD, it might make it harder to find an opening, as you're overqualified for the entry-levels.

I opted to stop at master's level and followed some of the other recent masters' grads from my program into the energy industry. Most of my colleagues who did PhDs are in some combo of research/academia, and the ones who stuck with the bachelor's either did broadcasting or left the field. That's been my experience anyway.

P.S. On another note, for NWS, I believe 15% of their hires had advanced degrees in 1985. today, the number is more like 85%. Unless you're a SCEP or something, you'll likely need a master's to get a job offer from the NWS.