Weather Whys; Meteorologists

This is Weather-wise. Have you ever thought about being a meteorologist? Like many in the field today, perhaps you've considered that since early childhood. Or maybe you happened upon a basic weather course at a local community college and became fascinated. No matter where that interest came from, the question now may be how to pursue that interest. First, you'll need a lot of math and physics. For a bachelor's degree in meteorology, students are generally required to complete at least three semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics. College courses in meteorology cover everything from map reading and interpretation to the physics and fluid dynamics of the atmosphere. Some programs emphasize the theoretical aspects of meteorology, while others emphasize the art of forecasting. The American Meteorological Society and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research publish a book of curricula in the atmospheric sciences. In it, they try to include every college and university that offers degree programs in meteorology and atmospheric science.

It also helps to have an idea of what specialty in meteorology you'd like to work in. How about forecasting with the National Weather Service or for some private firm? What about broadcasting? Do you want to do research or perhaps be a consultant doing detective work to find out what weather conditions may have led to an accident? Generally, forecasting positions require at least a bachelor's degree and in the near future you'll probably have to have a master's. If you want to do research or consulting, you'll probably need a master's degree or a doctorate. But maybe your content to keep weather watching is a hobby. If so, there are relatively inexpensive home weather kits that allow you to be the chief meteorologist in your own backyard. For more information about careers in meteorology, you can write to the American Meteorological Society at 45 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108. For more weather-wise, I'm Drew Barlow.