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 experience, or weather instrumentation), National Weather Service capstone course, or one of Virginia Tech’s overseas study programs.
B.S. in meteorology
· Course descriptions in the undergraduate catalog.
· Degree requirements (checksheets for meteorology)
· Current course offerings can be found on the Time Table of Classes
Considering meteorology?
If you are interested in majoring in meteorology but want to experience the program and opportunities firsthand, consider taking one or more of the courses listed below. They are all entry level courses that are required to earn a major in meteorlogy.
· GEOG 1504: Survey of Meteorology (1 credit, introduces career options)
· GEOG 1514: Introduction to Meteorology
· GEOG 2505: Weather Analysis I
· GEOG 2506: Weather Analysis II
Experiential learning requirement
Students are required to take part in an experiential learning program to graduate. These typically includes a minimum of 150 hours and can be satisfied in the following ways:
2. Undergraduate Research (MTRG 4994)
3. Field Study (i.e. internship) (MTRG 2964 or MTRG 4964)
For more information contact:
Julie Burger
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Department of Geography
138 Cheatham Hall
Phone: 540-231-6886
Email: jcburger@vt.edu