Meteorology
Major
Meteorology degree overview
Are you glued to the television with every weather forecast? Are you fascinated by Michigan’s wild weather patterns? Explore a meteorology degree from CMU — the only undergraduate major in Michigan!
Study weather patterns and atmospheric data, conduct field research around the state or dig in with our advanced on-campus lab. All with the goal of accurately forecasting the weather, essential for aviation, agriculture and disaster preparedness.
Our program meets the requirements of the National Weather Service, considered to be the highest standard for undergraduate atmospheric science programs.
With a meteorology degree from CMU, you will graduate with the expertise and experience to join leading meteorologists around the world.
AT A GLANCE
What you'll learn as a meteorology major
Meteorologists study everything from atmospheric pressure systems to climate change. As a meteorology major, you will:
- Study broad subjects like physics, calculus and statistics. Then, you'll dive into topics like atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics and climatology.
- Learn modeling, data analysis and visualization.
- Understand how to communicate complex scientific topics to a broad audience.
- Practice with state-of-the-art weather analysis software, to help understand and predict weather.
- Complete a practicum in weather forecasting.
Meteorology program highlights
In addition to a solid foundation in math and science principles, a meteorology degree from CMU gives you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. You will:
- Analyze data from CMU’s state-of-the-art weather station. The station is equipped with a weather balloon and the same technology professional meteorologists use to collect data.
- Engage in compelling field research, like climate and snowfall monitoring in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, using sophisticated tools to observe and record weather.
- Meet peers and mentors in student organizations such as the Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and the Mid-Mitten Weather View.
- Develop your broadcast meteorologist persona by practicing in the program's private practice broadcast studio. Or, get on-air experience at CMU's student-produced newscast, News Central.
- Work closely with your professors with small classes sizes. There are roughly 15 meteorology students per faculty member.
After graduation, you will be among the field's top-qualified meteorologists.
Careers with a meteorology degree
As a meteorology major, you’ll gain the expertise needed to forecast for the National Weather Service, broadcast weather for television and radio, conduct ground-breaking research or work in the commercial weather industry and other weather-related professions.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Television Weather Forecaster (large markets) | $92,860 |
| Atmospheric Scientist | $92,860 |
| Meteorologist | $92,860 |
| Researcher Meteorologist | $46,346 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $83,780 |
| Climate Analyst | $76,480 |
| Climatologist | $94,570 |
| Environmental Specialist | $78,980 |
Leading in severe weather research
The best way to study weather? By getting out in the field. See how one meteorology student, Collin D., studied the impact of the Great Lakes on Michigan weather, using tools like weather balloons and CMU's own mobile weather station vehicle.
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