GEOGRAPHY & METEOROLOGY
The Department of Geography & Meteorology at Valparaiso University offers strong majors in both geography and meteorology. Students pursuing a degree in geography or meteorology can expect to explore exciting careers as a geospatial data analyst, meteorologist, atmospheric scientist, climate risk analyst, GIS technician, emergency manager, cartographer, parks manager, imagery analyst, science educator, and more.
Adventure on the Plains
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to observe storm structure, dynamics, and processes during an 11-day field study course at the end of May across the Great Plains. Students hold daily weather briefings, launch weather balloons, and navigate during active storm observation periods.
During six storm observation days on the 2024 trip, students observed three tornadic storms and one tornado. A weather balloon was also launched to sample the pre-convective environment on a moderate risk day.
Eclipsing the Classroom
During the 2024 solar eclipse, students and faculty observed 3 minutes and 50 seconds of totality at Earlham College in Richmond, IN with sophisticated meteorological instrumentation as a part of a National Science Foundation grant. Weather balloons, a drone, and Kestrel hand-held sensors were used to capture the changes in temperature, humidity, and wind speed/direction in the lowest kilometer of the atmosphere before, during, and after totality. Guest instrumentation on board the Space Science and Engineering Center Portable Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison was also used to capture this evolution.
Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Teresa Bals-Elsholz, has been awarded the 2024 Edward N. Lorenz Teaching Excellence Award from the American Meteorological Society. She was chosen, “For innovative and engaging teaching, making challenging curricula accessible and enjoyable, enthusiastic career-long mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of atmospheric scientists, especially empowering women”.
She received the award at the 2024 AMS Annual Meeting in Baltimore during the awards ceremony.
New Frontiers
Professor Jon Paul McCool tests a Vibecore soil coring equipment, as Professor Teresa Bals-Elsholz cheers on. This one of the many tools students will use while conducting real world inquiry. Our undergraduate students participate in field data collection, research, analysis, and research communication. When they graduate, they hit the road running!
Meteorology in Action
Valparaiso University’s meteorology program, which gained the status of a major in 1991, has quickly become one of the nation’s most respected training grounds for professional meteorologists.
Geography in Real Life
With one of the oldest and most respected geography programs in the United States, Valpo has produced a steady stream of successful professional geographers.
Community of Distinction
Be part of a community of dedicated professors, excellent students, and engaged alumni and follow your shared passion in geography or meteorology. Forge your career as a leader, a team builder, and a beacon in your field.
A solid foundation
Valpo programs in geographical sciences and atmospheric sciences share a commitment to rigorous learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. Classes in our Department of Geography and Meteorology merge theory and application, giving you the tools for your next step. Students experience hands-on learning through extensive field experience and internships.
Learn to forecast storms in the high plains from Texas to Montana, experience America’s natural environments through field expeditions, gain expertise in field techniques though observation, measurement, and analysis, and learn to analyze spatial data to make stunning digital maps.
Are degrees in geography and meteorology in demand? With a post-graduation placement rate over 91%, your foundation builds your future.
Commitment to your success
Prospective Valpo meteorologists and geographers please schedule a visit to the department! We love to meet with future students and spend time with you learning about your interests and charting a suitable path for you. Admissions will set you up with a full tour and visit with a professor. Just in case you haven’t been scheduled to meet with a professor, please contact the department chair Professor Teresa Bals-Esholz.