Meteorology

Major

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.