Meteorology (BS)

The nationally recognized Plymouth State Meteorology program is one of very few in New England and the only one in New Hampshire. It offers students not only a high-quality curriculum in traditional and applied areas of meteorology and atmospheric science, but also a variety of experiential courses that include broadcast TV, weather seminar, research, internship opportunities, and others. The depth and versatility of the education received by graduates of this program allow them to either pursue advanced graduate study, or seek employment in the variety of operational and applied employment opportunities in meteorology and related fields, including in the rapidly growing private sector. 

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
MT 1000Introduction to Weather Community1
MT 2000Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climatology (GACO)3
MT 2250Introduction to Weather Analysis and Forecasting4
MT 3230Atmospheric Thermodynamics3
MT 3725Instruments and Observations in Meteorology3
MT 4280Synoptic Meteorology (TECO)4
MT 4310Dynamic Meteorology I3
MT 4320Dynamic Meteorology II3
MT 4410Atmospheric Physics3
MT 4460Climate Dynamics3
MT 4480Mesoscale Meteorology3
MT 4725Meteorological Remote Sensing (WRCO)3
Capstone Experience
Complete 6 credits from the following list:6
MT 4155
Air Quality
MT 4405
Numerical Weather Prediction (TECO)
MT 4425
Tropical Weather and Climate
ESP 4441
Climate Change
MT 4560
Topics in Meteorology
MA 3600
Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
Complete 2 credits from the following list of courses2
MT 4000
Meteorology Seminar
MT 4264
Broadcast Meteorology
MT 4360
Forecasting/Broadcast Practicum
MT 4500
Undergraduate Research
MT 4600
Internship
MT 4910
Independent Study
Prerequisite Topics in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
CH 2335General Chemistry I (QRCO)4
Programming (Complete one CS course or both GE courses)3-8
CS 2400
or CS 2370
 Introduction to Programming
GE 2050
GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO)
GE 4060
GIS Programming
MA 2550Calculus I (QRCO)4
MA 2560Calculus II (QRCO)4
MA 3500Probability and Statistics for Scientists3
or MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO)
MA 3540Calculus III4
PH 2510University Physics I4
PH 2520University Physics II4
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 17-4
DICODiversity Connection3-4
INCPIntegrated Capstone4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
Electives5-12
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16 credits because the Scientific Inquiry Direction (SIDI) is waived for BS Meteorology students.

Path to a 4+1 BS and MS

Undergraduate students that reach senior status with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may be able to complete the BS degree and earn their MS Applied Meteorology degree with one additional year of study. Students interested in completing both degrees in five years will consult with their academic advisor and choose to enroll in six credits of graduate courses (e.g., MT 5200 Transportation Meteorology) and will be advised to enroll in MT 4500 Undergraduate Research to fulfill their Capstone Experience.  Students will apply to the graduate program during their last year of undergraduate study. If admitted and after earning their BS degree, students will complete 24 credits of graduate work during the following year. For example, students may enroll in four credits of graduate courses during the summer term after earning their BS and 20 credits of graduate courses during the following academic year. 

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
MT 1000 Introduction to Weather Community 1
MT 2000 Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climatology (GACO) 3
MT 2250 Introduction to Weather Analysis and Forecasting 4
CH 2335 General Chemistry I (QRCO) 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MA 2550 Calculus I (QRCO) 4
MA 2560 Calculus II (QRCO) 4
EN 1400 Composition 4
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
 Credits31-32
Year Two
MT 3230 Atmospheric Thermodynamics 3
MT 3725 Instruments and Observations in Meteorology 3
MA 3500
or MA 2300
 Probability and Statistics for Scientists
or Statistics I (QRCO)
 3
MA 3540 Calculus III 4
PH 2510 University Physics I 4
PH 2520 University Physics II 4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
 Credits30-33
Years Three and Four
MT 4725 Meteorological Remote Sensing (WRCO) 3
MT 4280 Synoptic Meteorology (TECO) 4
MT 4310 Dynamic Meteorology I 3
MT 4320 Dynamic Meteorology II 3
MT 4410 Atmospheric Physics 3
MT 4460 Climate Dynamics 3
MT 4480 Mesoscale Meteorology 3
MTComplete 8 credits from a Capstone Experience 8
Programming 3-8
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 1 7-4
DICODiversity Connection 3-4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
Electives 5-12
 Credits51-62
 Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Meteorology.

  • Explain meteorological phenomena at various scales in terms of basic physical and dynamic process including radiative forcing, thermodynamics, microphysics, electricity, and optics.
  • Plot, analyze and interpret weather maps, charts, and meteorological diagrams.
  • Explain the design, strengths, weaknesses, and use of observational systems.
  • Produce and explain short- and medium-term weather forecasts based on sound meteorological principles.
  • Derive and interpret equations that describe atmospheric motions and dynamic processes for various spatial and temporal scales.
  • Explain climate phenomena including global circulations, past and current climate, and basic physical mechanisms, responsible for climate change.
  • Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to Earth systems data through scientific programming and meteorological software packages.
  • Explain scientific ideas, results, and weather information through written and oral communication to technical and general audiences.
  • Integrate and use meteorological knowledge and techniques in real-world applications.
A meteorology degree from Plymouth State prepares students for a wide variety of career options in each profession. Plymouth State University focuses on several concentrations within the program:
 
Meteorology: Meteorology touches upon virtually all aspects of human activity. Consequently, a variety of career opportunities are available for graduates. Meteorologists are employed in all the economic sectors--private, government and military.
 
For more information, visit Career Services in the Global Education Office.
 
Sample Job Titles:
  • Air Quality Engineer
  • College Professor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Flight Director
  • Forensic Meteorologist
  • Instrumentation Specialist
  • Meteorologist
  • Physicist
  • Risk Manager
  • Technical Writer
  • Broadcast Meteorologist
See the U.S. Department of Labor Outlook for a complete list.
 
Useful Skills for Jobs in the Atmospheric Science Fields:
  • Ability to analyze cause and effects
  • Proficiency in analytical reasoning
  • Strong mathematical background
  • Ability to organize and memorize detailed information
  • Strong organization skills