Air Meteorologists

The word ‘meteorology’ derives from Greek ‘meteoron’ and ‘logos’, i.e. ‘the study of what happens in the sky’. Air meteorology is the science which studies the atmosphere, the complicated processes taking place and affecting the Earth and which helps to predict possible changes. A broader term of “atmospheric science” also exists, describing the interaction of meteorology with other fields of physical science which all contribute to the study of atmospheric phenomena.

A meteorologist is a specialist, who is able to observe, understand, explain and forecast the atmospheric phenomena with the help of scientific principles. Such a person usually has a BS or MS degree obtained at a college or university. Many meteorologists though have degrees in chemistry, physics, mathematics and other fields due to the requirement of broader knowledge in different sciences, which they need in their work.

Air meteorology degree obtained in the United States gives an opportunity to work for some major establishments like National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the military (the Air Force and the Navy) and the government of the USA.

Meteorologists are also employees of universities, where they teach and make researches, and private industry. Television and radio stations also prefer to employ professional meteorologists rather than reporters to present weather information.

What Will be Taught during the Course of Studies?

A degree in air meteorology requires acquiring certain knowledge and skills, applied in meteorology. The future specialist will be taught:

• to collect and analyze past and present data about changes in the atmosphere;
• to collect and interpret statistical data on temperature, precipitation, air mass movements
• with the help of technology to simulate possible development of current weather conditions;
• to study and apply the patterns of weather and climatic changes by making short- and long-term, small- and large-scale weather forecasts;
• to predict dangerous weather conditions like storms, hurricanes, tornados, droughts, floods, etc.;
• to deal with climatological information relevant to industrial and agricultural spheres;
• to describe and explain how weather changes affect flora and fauna of the planet;
• to study the ways global climatic changes affect the society;
• to study the sources and means of transportation of polluting substances;
• to aid in locating and designing of diverse construction projects, working out heating and air conditioning projects;
• to use different tools for obtaining climatological data (barometers and thermometers as well as modern radars, instrumented aircraft, computers, satellites).

Training Programs in Air Meteorology

Air meteorology degree can be obtained at the college or university level, although some institutions offer just supplementary courses on air meteorology as a part of a broader educational curricula without granting a degree. Here is a number of universities where air meteorology can be picked up as a specialization:

Cornell University

Cornell is an Ivy League university which offers a program in Atmospheric Science. The program meets the requirements of the American Meteorological Society to specialists in air meteorology, and the requirements for employees of the National Weather Service.

Students are offered two curricular options, which gives them an opportunity to pursue their own goals and interests. Moreover, in the course of study students are involved in practical training in operational and research activities.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers BS degree in Meteorology and MS and PhD degrees in Atmospheric Sciences. Students have great opportunities of studying in small groups and individually, of participating in department research projects, including regional as well as international field programs. Undergraduates of Texas A&M University are able to pursue a career both in government and private agencies.

The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona provides MS and PhD degrees in Atmospheric Science. At the university the Earth-Atmosphere system consisting of a wide range of topics is studied. The university has an Institute of Atmospheric Physics, where almost all of the research is done. The spheres of research range from day-to-day weather forecasting to global long-term climate changes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The institute provides its students with BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Meteorology within the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. Students are encouraged to explore different fields of study and research through a wide choice of relevant courses. Undergraduates and graduates of the institute take up careers in the energy, environmental and space industries.