Choosing a college major can be a challenging decision for both high school and college students. However, it was an easy decision for me. Broadcast Meteorology opened several avenues that interest me: science, communication, public service, and teaching. After choosing a major, I chose to attend Mississippi State University, one of the few schools in the nation for Broadcast Meteorology, in pursuit of my degree. Although my decisions were simple and clear, others may debate what area of meteorology to study or what college to attend.
My degree in Broadcast Meteorology is one of the tracks students in Geoscience can take. This major involves courses in science and communication. The classes challenge you to effectively educate the general public through knowledge of the science and developed television skills. Many classes involve practicing weather forecasts for actual television shows. All of this prepares students for on-air meteorology. The degree can lead to jobs at local television stations, national networks, or even radio. Mississippi State and the University of South Alabama offer Broadcast Meteorology. Another option is to first obtain a degree in meteorology and then master in communication.
The other track option for students in Geoscience is operational (or governmental) meteorology. In this major, there are no communication classes other than the basic public speaking. Calculus is a major element in the curriculum with several higher math classes. Also, all of the meteorology courses are calculus based. Contrastingly, the Broadcast Meteorology classes are all trigonometry based. Other differences are in chemistry and physics. A strictly meteorology major can be obtained from Oklahoma State, Penn State, or Florida State to name a few. By choosing this path, graduates can be employed for government organizations such as the National Weather Service or the military.
With two options in meteorology careers, students must look at the opportunities that both provide. Although they have differences, both involve the analysis and prediction of weather. These two types of meteorologists depend on each other. Currently, I am trying to decide whether or not to major in both areas (a third option). For those of you making these decisions, good luck!
My degree in Broadcast Meteorology is one of the tracks students in Geoscience can take. This major involves courses in science and communication. The classes challenge you to effectively educate the general public through knowledge of the science and developed television skills. Many classes involve practicing weather forecasts for actual television shows. All of this prepares students for on-air meteorology. The degree can lead to jobs at local television stations, national networks, or even radio. Mississippi State and the University of South Alabama offer Broadcast Meteorology. Another option is to first obtain a degree in meteorology and then master in communication.
The other track option for students in Geoscience is operational (or governmental) meteorology. In this major, there are no communication classes other than the basic public speaking. Calculus is a major element in the curriculum with several higher math classes. Also, all of the meteorology courses are calculus based. Contrastingly, the Broadcast Meteorology classes are all trigonometry based. Other differences are in chemistry and physics. A strictly meteorology major can be obtained from Oklahoma State, Penn State, or Florida State to name a few. By choosing this path, graduates can be employed for government organizations such as the National Weather Service or the military.
With two options in meteorology careers, students must look at the opportunities that both provide. Although they have differences, both involve the analysis and prediction of weather. These two types of meteorologists depend on each other. Currently, I am trying to decide whether or not to major in both areas (a third option). For those of you making these decisions, good luck!
on June 10, 2005, 7:06 pm
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