Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and its phenomena. It is an integrated physical science with ties to physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. In today's world, we are only just beginning to understand environmental relationships, and knowledge of the role of the atmosphere is critical in these studies. The Department of Meteorology is dedicated to providing that knowledge by preparing students to measure, analyze, model, and predict the state of the atmosphere. This preparation is accomplished through the hands-on nature of the meteorology curriculum for the BS and the MS degrees. At the BS level, theoretical courses in atmospheric hydrodynamics and atmospheric physics are balanced by practical laboratory work involving weather analysis and forecasting, as well as meteorological programming, remote sensing and statistics. BS students also learn techniques of verbal, written, and electronic communication for meteorologists. The BS degree culminates with a practical senior thesis project that introduces the student to research and its presentation. The completion of the BS degree presents many employment opportunities, including:
The MS degree prepares the student for higher-level professional responsibility, independent research, and continued graduate work in atmospheric science. Graduate level theoretical and applied meteorology courses, together with a substantial research project lead to the preparation of the master's thesis, which is the culmination of the MS course of study.
In addition to the formal BS and MS curricula, there are many other opportunities to make contacts with prospective employers via professional seminars sponsored by the department and by the Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. Opportunities also arise for related work experience for students at both the BS and MS levels. These include assistantships in departmental research programs, and internships at local companies and in government laboratories. Most internships and research assistantships require the completion of some course work in the department, or prior experience with computers and/or in meteorology. Details are available through the department office.
The meteorology faculty has a wide range of expertise, including cloud and aerosol physics, urban meteorology and pollution, meteorological modeling and measurements, radar and satellite meteorology, tropical meteorology, aviation meteorology, atmospheric hydrodynamics, weather analysis and prediction, atmospheres of other planets, global climatic change, meteorological data processing, data communications, data acquisition and data display. Although one of the smaller departments in the university, the Meteorology Department is one of the most active departments in research, providing students at all levels with opportunities for a variety of research experiences and financial support.
Department alumni include top scientists and forecasters in The National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration, the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, NASA, various state and federal air pollution agencies, the aerospace industry, and aviation operations. Our alumni also include university faculty members, high school and community college teachers, TV forecasters, meteorologists in the wind power, electric, gas and oil industries, science writers and consultants for legal cases, air pollution problems and building design. Recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees at institutions including UCLA, Harvard, and the University of Washington.
Each student majoring in meteorology must meet with their academic advisor at least once a semester. More frequent contacts are encouraged, especially prior to the first semester at SJSU. Formal approval of each student's academic program must be obtained from the advisor each semester, prior to registration. Failure to plan a program carefully can result in delays to in graduation.
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