What Type of Online Schooling is Available for Meteorology?
Programs leading to a degree in meteorology are typically campus-based. However, some schools and universities offer online schooling in meteorology or weather forecasting. Some online schooling consists of single introductory courses, while other options delve deeper into atmospheric and weather science and award a certificate or degree.
Meteorology Programs Available Online
There are a variety of meteorology programs available online. Some programs are designed for those seeking a degree in the field while some are designed as electives for other degree programs or as continuing education courses for teachers or those working in a science field. All programs have similar coursework and requirements for enrollment.
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Important Facts about Meteorology Programs
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or GED, high school physics courses, strong background in math |
| Programs | Undergraduate certificates, associate to bachelor's degree, associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees available |
| Online Availability | Programs available exclusively online as well as both online and on-campus |
| Possible Careers | Atmospheric Scientists, Meteorologists, Teachers |
| Median Salary (2022) | $56,207 (for meteorologists)* |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 4% growth (for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists)** |
Source: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
University of Arizona
A Bachelor of Applied Science in Meteorology is offered as an online program by the University of Arizona. This online associate-to-baccalaureate program is the only of its kind in the United States. It is designed for military personnel interested in becoming professional meteorologists and applicants must hold an associate's degree in weather technology or a related area. Several math and physics courses will be taken in this program.
Penn State University
Penn State University offers an online undergraduate certificate of achievement in weather forecasting. Completion of the certificate program prepares a student for an apprenticeship in weather forecasting. The courses are taken entirely online and are formatted on a schedule comparable to traditional semesters. The four courses in the program are:
- Understanding Weather Forecasting
- Fundamentals of Tropical Forecasting
- Advanced Topics in Weather Forecasting
- Fundamentals of Mesoscale Weather Forecasting
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin offers an online course, Weather and Climate, that covers the most important elements of atmospheric science. The focus of the program is on learning about the earth's atmosphere using a scientific approach. This 4-credit course covers the study of atmospheric processes, weather elements and weather systems. Topics will range from storm systems to climate change and pollution. Students will also learn about the formation of thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Lyndon State College
Lyndon State College in Vermont offers an elementary meteorology course online. This introductory-level course counts towards CEU requirements for non-meteorology majors as a 4-credit lab course. Course of study is an introduction to atmospheric sciences and weather studies and follows the online weather studies program developed by the American Meteorological Society. Students of this program will be expected to apply analytical methods studied in the program by assessing actual weather conditions using weather data and web resources.
