Bachelor of Science in Meteorology
Storm chaser
The B.S. in meteorology prepares graduates for careers in forecast and broadcast meteorology. The program meets the requirements for positions with the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Virginia Tech is the only university in Virginia that offers a meteorology degree. Understanding geospatial sciences, mapping, and remote sensing are vital requisites for a meteorologist, which is why meteorology falls within the geography department.
The most visible meteorologists work within the media, usually in local television, but meteorologists are in demand in many fields outside television news. The National Weather Service, the U.S. military, NASA, and climate research programs all need meteorologists. Likewise, meteorologists are also in high demand in shipping and transportation, food growing industries, insurance, and many more.
Meteorology majors have a rigorous program of study that includes courses in math, physics, statistics, and geospatial science. Students start taking meteorology courses during their first semester. Classes are small and students are encouraged to interact with their instructors.
Meteorology majors must complete an experiential learning requirement. All programs must be related to Meteorology and be approved by the department. Program options include undergraduate research with faculty on campus, a field study or internship off-campus with a public or private organization, a summer field methods course (Hokie Storm Chase, Rocky Mountain Instrumentation, or SWVA Instrumentation), NWS Capstone course, or one of five meteorology-related, Virginia Tech overseas study programs.
B.S. in Meteorology
· Course descriptions in the undergraduate catalog.
· Degree requirements (find checksheets for MTRG)
· Current course offerings can be found on the Time Table of Classes
Considering Meteorology?
If interested in majoring in the B.S. Meteorology but not quite sure, consider taking one (or more) of these entry-level courses that are all required in the major.
· GEOG 1504 – Survey of Meteorology (1 credit, introduces career options)
· GEOG 1514 – Introduction to Meteorology (3 credits)
· GEOG 2505 – Weather Analysis I
· GEOG 2506 – Weather Analysis II
Here is a suggested four-year course plan for the B.S. in Meteorology.
Field Experience Requirement
Students must register for and earn 3 credits of a required field experience to graduate. The field typically includes a minimum of 150 hours and can be satisfied in the following ways:
1. Study Abroad
2. Undergraduate Research (MTRG 4994)
3. Field Study (i.e. Internship) (MTRG 2964 or MTRG 4964)
More details on the field experience requirement are available here.
For more information contact:
Julie Burger
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Department of Geography
138 Cheatham Hall
Phone: 540-231-6886
Email: jcburger@vt.edu