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
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 Courses | 32 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MET 103 | Introduction to Meteorology | 4 credits, fall semester (some spring) |
| MET 130 | Weather Technology | 3 credits, each spring semester |
| MET 215 | Climatology | 3 credits, each spring semester |
| MET 216 | Introduction to Meteorological Observation and Analysis | 3 credits, each fall semester |
| MET 369 | Atmospheric Thermodynamics | 3 credits, each fall semester |
| MET 372 | Atmospheric Dynamics I | 4 credits, each fall semester |
| MET 373 | Atmospheric Dynamics II | 4 credits, each spring semester |
| MET 480 | Synoptic Scale Analysis and Forecasting | 4 credits, each fall semester |
| MET 481 | Mesoscale Analysis and Forecasting | 3 credits, each spring semester |
| Additional Required Courses | 23 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 131 | Calculus I | 4 credits |
| MATH 132 | Calculus II | 4 credits |
| MATH 253 | Calculus III | 4 credits |
| MATH 260 | Linear Systems and Matrices | 1 credits |
| MATH 270 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 credits |
| PHYS 141 | Newtonian Physics | 3 credits, usually fall sophomore year |
| PHYS 141L | Experimental Physics I | 1 credit |
| PHYS 142 | Physics: Electricity, Magnetism and Waves | 3 credits, usually spring sophomore year (can be delayed for spring semester abroad) |
Electives
| Meteorology Electives | 8-16 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MET 240 | Introduction to Climate Change | 3 credits, every 2nd or 3rd spring |
| MET 271 | Aviation Meteorology | 3 credits, fall or spring semester |
| MET 279 | Severe Storm Prediction and Nowcasting | 3 credits, spring semester |
| MET 290 | Topics in Meteorology | 1-3 credits |
| MET 291 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 1 credit, fall semester |
| MET 292 | Lake Effect Snow Analysis Forecasting | 1 credit, every other fall semester |
| MET 319 | Tropical Meteorology | 3 credits, spring semester |
| MET 330 | Meteorological 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 |
Up-to-date course descriptions and course prerequisites can be found in the University Catalog.
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.