Meteorology At Virginia Tech
The department of Geography at Virginia Tech is proud to announce that we will offer a BS in Meteorology |
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Why Meteorology? The wealth of concern about the changing environment around us is evident to all members of society almost daily. We regularly read of floods in places that do not usually have torrential rains, of stronger and stronger hurricanes during the fall hurricane season, of the continuing slow recapture of the vitality of the city of New Orleans in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, of longer and more prolonged droughts, some here in Virginia, of clean fresh water being the next critical resource (after oil) to be depleted, and of continued desiccation around the perimeters of existing deserts. Along with these critical issues are the social considerations that they force us to confront. What role does humankind have in the changes going on around us? How can we maintain a lifestyle to which we have become accustomed if that lifestyle is a culprit in creating these changes? What will the future look like for an ever expanding population with ever expanding and probably unsustainable “needs”? What will be the economic and social cost of all of this to society? The world needs qualified professionals prepared to answer these questions. It needs more minds working on these subjects. Universities must respond with new programs for these changing times. Our degree program in Meteorology is an important step to meeting the need for more informed citizens in dealing with changing weather and climate patterns. With our integration of meteorology and geospatial science, we will be able to contribute in great ways to the national and international debates in which we all must participate in the near future. Meteorology studies the atmosphere while, for the most part, geospatial science studies the land and water surfaces, so our degree provides students with technical life skills vital for entering the debate, and for developing the science and knowledge needed to mediate, and hopefully resolve some of the environmental issues of our future. The curriculum for the B.S. in Meteorology has been developed from recommended guidelines for undergraduate degree programs established by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service, meeting the basic minimum requirements of the federal civil service (GS-1340) for a degreed meteorologist. These requirements provide a strong shared core of coursework with our existing majors leading to the BA degree in Geography, assuring that our Meteorology and Geography students have a large common experience. The portion of the coursework in the geospatial science arena is in common with our Geospatial and Environmental Analysis option. Additionally, a critical portion of both our new Meteorology and existing degrees is the requirement for a field experience. Students must leave the classroom and study outside as an intern, by doing undergraduate research or by travelling on a field experience. In the B.S. in Meteorology program, that experience will take one of two forms, either a Meteorology Field Course (for example, the great plains storm chase that runs each May – for more details, see http://hokiestormchase.wordpress.com/) or an internship with the local National Weather Service in Blacksburg. FAQ for Meteorology at Virginia Tech: What might be a good course/s to take if I am thinking that I might be interested in this field but I want to know more? Interested students should consider taking Geog 1504, a one credit survey class which introduces possible career options in meteorology and will apply to the major but not to the minor requirements. If that course is appealing to you, then consider Geog 2505 and Geog 2506, Weather Analysis I and II. These are the frontier classes in the meteorology major. These courses will provide a solid overview of the field and they are also required courses for the major and the minor. What is required for this major? The meteorology checksheets will soon be found at: Where can I find out more about the courses? How and when do I change into this major? To make the change of major, you should start by visiting with the geography adviser, Maureen Deisinger, in 115 Major Williams Hall or Dave Carroll, meteorology professor, in 101 Major Williams Hall. If you have already discussed the change, go to yourcurrent home department advising office, collect the forms, and bring them to 115 Major Williams and then on to 138 Cheatham Hall for processing. Can I double major? What do I need to take to minor in meteorology? At this time, the minor will likely include: A minimum of 21 credit hours to include: 2. GEOG 2505 Weather Analysis (3) _____ 3. GEOG 2506 Weather Analysis (3) _____ 4. GEOG 3114 Intro to Meteorology (3) _____ 5. GEOG 3504 Severe Weather (3) _____ Elective credit – 6 credits How can I meet others interested in this major? What kind of field experiences will be available with this new major? The geography department has a close affiliation with the NWS service office located in Blacksburg. We expect many opportunities for students to complete field work and internships there. What kinds of jobs and careers will be likely with this degree?
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