Expert: Donald Rosenfeld - 11/22/2006

Question
I absolutely love meteorology.  I am trying to take as many courses in high school to help my career in this field go further.  Do you think it would be wise to take an AP physics class during high school if I want to major in meteorology?  Also I have done so much research in schools with good meteorology programs.  I have come up with Florida State, Florida Institute of Tech., and Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University.  Do have any advice on excellent colleges in meteorology?  I also want to know if you could help me and provide me with a list of careers that a major of meteorology could take me into, like weather broadcasting etc.  If you could help me and answer some of my questions, it would be great.  All I have been doing is research meteorology, colleges, and careers.  I am so serious with this major and career.

Answer
Hi Melissa

Physics and math are most important to becoming a meteorologist. Advance placement physics will get you into a better school but can mean a more difficult time with homework and grades.

Of the three colleges, I would pick Florida State:

Florida State University:

http://www.ametsoc.org/curricula/pdfs/fsu.pdf

Florida Institute of Technology:

http://www.ametsoc.org/curricula/pdfs/florida.pdf

As to which college is best for you, I think that it depends upon what type of Meteorology you're interested in; tropical, severe storms, synoptic, computer models,  climatology, TV, or just general.

The best way for you to get answers to all of your questions is by looking at this site:

http://www.weatherknowledge.com/become.html

If you have other questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Good luck with your career!!