Here’s what you need to know about getting an online degree in meteorology. Whether you’re a first-time college student or a seasoned meteorologist, the world of online learning has Application camps and online courses for everyone.
From basic skills training to advanced classes in applied science, there are plenty of online clubs and studies available that you can take at your own pace. Whether you’re trying to learn new things or just want to get a better understanding of what meteorology is all about, many online degree programs will help you reach your destination.
Read: 5 Ways to Get Online Degree for Free
What is a Meteorology Degree?
A meteorology degree is a two-year program focused on teaching students about the science and practice of weather forecasting. It can be completed online and through distance learning, and it’s often offered as an associate degree.
There are several different types of meteorology degree programs available, but they all concentrate on teaching students about the basics of weather forecasting: how to spot a potential tropical storm when to go to the ground, and when to stay put.
The major theme that runs through all of them is the same: using basic science facts and figures to help forecast changes in the environment.
How to Get an Online Degree in Meteorology
First, find a school that is both well-established and popular in your region. This might mean looking at colleges in your state or even your country. Some major meteorological institutions also specialize in advanced courses, while others offer more general courses.
After you find a school that you’d like to attend, schedule a meeting with its dean or dean of instruction to discuss your goals and requirements. This will discuss your major and personal preferences, and what advice they have to offer. The dean will then likely provide more details about the school, its offerings, and how they support your goals.
Best Fields for a Meteorology Degree
You’ll most likely choose the southwestern part of the United States as your native province, where there’s a strong connection to the global climate. Southwest Florida is a good place to start, with numerous private and public colleges and universities.
The region also has excellent weather, with warm winters and moderate summers. You can also consider visiting other parts of the country to experience other regions’ weather firsthand. North America’s top two seasons are winter and summer, and those are the most popular periods for studying weather forecasting. Spring and summer belong to the winter season, while fall and winter belong to the summer season.
- Weather Forecasting and Warnings
- Atmospheric Research
- Meteorological Technology Development and Support
- Information Services
- Forensic Services
- Broadcast Meteorology
- Teaching
Application Camps and Online Courses for a Meteorology Degree
Several online and paper-based programs specialize in teaching basic meteorology skills. Some are more advanced than others, and each has its website with detailed information, apps, and a detailed schedule of events. For example, the Western Region of the University of South Alabama offers a Tropical Statistical Models or TSM-focused online course. TSM is a highly regarded and accurate weather model, and it’s taught in more than 100 countries around the world. Another online course, taught by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, focuses on advanced courses in advanced forecasting.
The Best Period to Study Meteorology
The best time to study Meteorology is from November to May. This is the time when most precipitation occurs in the southwestern United States, which is also when most people are in the mood for a little weather change. That’s when the weather in several areas in the country gets very cold, very heavy, and very significant.
In these months, you’ll also likely see some heavy thunderstorms, though they tend to be light and not as intense as they are in spring and summer. The best time to study weather is in the spring and summer when most of the major precipitation events are happening.
Top Universities With Major Programs in Meteorology
- Cornell University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Michigan
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
Final Words: Finding your degree program in Meteorology
If you want to learn about weather forecasting and a little more, consider a study on regional climate change. That’s what you’ll learn about in the regional climate change course at the University of South Alabama. You can also choose to pursue a tropical and northern hemisphere weather forecast course, or a monsoon and tropical weather forecast course.
Whatever your course of study, be sure to think about taking it online. You never know when you might need to take a refresher course on a specific topic, or just need some additional support differently. When you have the right resources and a plan, the online course is an affordable, quick way to get your degree in Meteorology.
