OU School of Meteorology
Phone: (405) 325-6562
Email: sheill@ou.edu
Website: meteorology.ou.edu
Meteorology, or atmospheric science, is the study of the atmosphere and its interaction with Earth’s surface, oceans, and biological systems. Meteorologists seek to describe, understand, and predict weather phenomena that occur on spatial scales ranging from millimeters to thousands of kilometers, and on time scales from microseconds to thousands of years or longer. These phenomena range from localized thunderstorms and tornadoes, to regional frontal systems and hurricanes, to global climate change. Major scientific areas of research in meteorology today include weather, climate, and the interactions between them. This includes the study and prediction of severe and hazardous weather events that strongly affect life and property. These events include, but are not limited to, lightning, tornadoes, floods, hail, blizzards, dense fog and hurricanes. Research activities regarding climate and weather-climate interactions include the study of past climates, regional climate, surface and boundary layer processes, climate change and seasonal forecasting. The School of Meteorology is actively engaged in research on all the above-mentioned topics.
Meteorology students typically have interests in:
High school preparation should include math and science courses, especially in geographic sciences.
The University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology is among the largest in the nation. The nationally ranked program gives students the opportunity to learn the skills needed to work in one the fastest-growing and most-influential career fields. Housed within the National Weather Center, the School of Meteorology gives students the unique opportunity to work with professionals in more than a dozen weather-related organizations. The National Weather Center is a world-class teaching and research facility, with expertise extending across weather, climate and atmospheric chemistry; built upon a foundation of excellence in convective storms, radar and mesoscale research.
Meteorology courses may include:
There are numerous clubs meteorology students can be a part of. Check them out:
Meteorology students have the opportunity to study abroad through a variety of programs.
Air Quality Management
Hydrologist
Airlines
Broadcast Meteorology
Climatology
Consulting Meteorology
Emergency Management
Operational Forecasting
Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.
The School of Meteorology meets the national requirements for a professional meteorology school. We are designated as a world leader in mesoscale, severe storms and radar research in a recent external review. The research expertise spans from tropical to polar meteorology and from weather to climate studies. We are ranked among the top five programs overall in research funding.
