The curriculum is based on guidelines from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service. While the major requires coursework in math and physics, the majority of courses focus on atmospheric science and are offered by the Geography Department. All meteorology majors receive forecasting experience; broadcast experience is possible in association with WOUB.
The department is committed to excellence in both teaching and advising. Several faculty members have received teaching awards, and faculty are known across campus for the quality of their advising. As a geography major, students meet one-on-one with their faculty adviser every semester during advising week, and they are always welcome to talk with their adviser at any time throughout the semester whenever questions may arise. In addition to advising students about their academic programs, the department provides timely information about internships, nationally competitive awards, and other opportunities as they arise. Many students complete internships, and several over the last few years have received nationally competitive awards.
Careers and Graduate School
The meteorology major prepares students for careers with the National Weather Service, the private sector (including jobs with agriculture and energy industries, insurance agencies, and others), and federal and non-federal careers where forecasting is the primary job responsibility. The program also adequately prepares students for advanced specialized training and education at the graduate level, including graduate education in broadcast meteorology.