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Degree Program in Meteorology

The major in meteorology, requiring a minimum of 32 meteorology credits, leads to a bachelor of science. The required major courses prepare every student in the foundations of atmospheric science. Required math and physics courses provide the needed tools to understand upper-level meteorology concepts. Our elective courses reflect the diverse nature of the science and enrich each student’s academic experience in preparation for post-graduate careers.

Because the science of meteorology draws heavily on the fields of mathematics, physics, computer science, and chemistry, students should possess a strong mathematics and science background.

The meteorology degree requirements meet the American Meteorological Society guidelines for a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science and the federal civil service requirements for a meteorologist, i.e., for opportunities within the National Weather Service.

With additional meteorology credits totaling at least 40, but no more than 60 hours, this degree can serve as a standalone major with no second major or minor. Students who opt for this science major may also choose one of the following:

  • A disciplinary science minor or second major (qualifying disciplines include astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, psychology, and physics. Note that students opting for a science minor or second major to complete this B.S. degree must select a program from outside the geography and meteorology department);
  • A second major in a non-science discipline;
  • The 32-credit complementary major in environmental science; OR
  • A minor in fundamentals of business, business administration, applied statistics, engineering, or geographic information systems.

In the Field

Extracurricular experiences constitute important components of the meteorology program at Valparaiso University. For example, the popular 11-day convective field study to observe severe storm processes in the Great Plains are vital educational experiences for meteorology students. Thanks to excellent relationships with the National Weather Service and other agencies, students have multiple opportunities for internships and paid cooperative education placements. Valpo meteorology students have also served internships at several regional broadcast stations and many work for the campus radio and cable television stations.

Degree Requirements

Up-to-date course descriptions and course prerequisites can be found in the University Catalog.

Foundations

B.S. students in meteorology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the bachelor of science in the College of Arts and Sciences. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing students to global cultures and traditions.

Major Requirements

Meteorology Courses32 credits
MET 103Introduction to Meteorology4 credits, fall semester (some spring)
MET 130Weather Technology3 credits, each spring semester
MET 215
Climatology3 credits, each spring semester
MET 216Introduction to Meteorological Observation and Analysis
3 credits, each fall semester
MET 369Atmospheric Thermodynamics
3 credits, each fall semester
MET 372Atmospheric Dynamics I
4 credits, each fall semester
MET 373Atmospheric Dynamics II
4 credits, each spring semester
MET 480Synoptic Scale Analysis and Forecasting4 credits, each fall semester
MET 481Mesoscale Analysis and Forecasting3 credits, each spring semester
Additional Required Courses23 credits
MATH 131Calculus I4 credits
MATH 132Calculus II
4 credits
MATH 253Calculus III4 credits
MATH 260Linear Systems and Matrices1 credits
MATH 270Ordinary Differential Equations3 credits
PHYS 141Newtonian Physics3 credits, usually fall sophomore year
PHYS 141LExperimental Physics I1 credit
PHYS 142Physics: Electricity, Magnetism and Waves3 credits, usually spring sophomore year (can be delayed for spring semester abroad)

Electives

Meteorology Electives8-16 credits
MET 240Introduction to Climate Change3 credits, every 2nd or 3rd spring
MET 271Aviation Meteorology 3 credits, fall or spring semester
MET 279Severe Storm Prediction and Nowcasting3 credits, spring semester
MET 290Topics in Meteorology 1-3 credits
MET 291Ordinary Differential Equations1 credit, fall semester
MET 292Lake Effect Snow Analysis Forecasting 1 credit, every other fall semester
MET 319Tropical Meteorology 3 credits, spring semester
MET 330Meteorological Computer Applications 3 credits, fall semester
MET 335 Meteorological Instruments 3 credits, every other fall semester
MET 350 Boundary Layer Meteorology 3 credits, every other fall semester
MET 385 Field Study in Meteorology 3 credits, summer session
MET 430 Numerical Weather Prediction 3 credits, every other spring semester
MET 435 Radar Meteorology 3 credits, fall semester
MET 440 Global Climate Change 3 credits, every 2nd or 3rd spring
MET 460 Data Analysis 3 credits, every other spring semester
MET 486 Internship in Meteorology 3 credits
MET 490 Selected Topics in Meteorology 1-3 credits
MET 495 Independent Study in Meteorology 1-3 credits
MET 497 Honors Work in Meteorology 3 credits
MET 498 Honors Candidacy in Meteorology 3 credits

Progression

In order to remain in the major, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.30 in all Valparaiso University meteorology courses and in those mathematics and physics courses required for meteorology. Students will be reviewed initially at the end of their second semester on campus and each academic year thereafter.