Meteorology
TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM
The field of atmospheric science is one of constant innovation and exploration, and it takes a keen and curious mind to succeed in this sphere. If you’re interested in making meteorology your career, you’ll need the best preparation and a lot of hands-on experience. In short, you’ll need Valparaiso University.
Valpo’s meteorology program is one of the nation’s most respected training grounds for professional meteorologists. The rigorous academic program brings together weather aficionados eager to understand the science of the atmosphere and how weather impacts all aspects of our lives. You will put your passion into a career with hands-on learning in forecasting, aviation meteorology, broadcasting, research in severe weather, tropical meteorology, extreme weather, or climate impacts, as well as fundamentals such as calculus and physics. The close-knit program typically enrolls around 80 undergraduates, so you’ll have plenty of peers to learn and grow with.
THE VALPO ADVANTAGE IN METEOROLOGY
As a meteorology major at Valpo, you’ll benefit from the cohort model that moves you through the program with the same group of students — people just as passionate about the weather as you are who will help you rise to the challenge of this demanding program. And you’ll develop a host of complementary skills that employers are looking for, such as computing (Python), writing, presentation, and communication.
Your goals, success, and future are our top priority. Valpo meteorology faculty love teaching and we are an undergraduate only program, which means you are our focus.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Opportunities to gain practical meteorology experience abound at Valpo. Perhaps you’d like to go on the 11-day convective field study to the Great Plains? Or join the Valparaiso Storm Intercept Team? Contribute to the National Weather Service’s Skywarn program? Hone your broadcasting skills on our TV and radio stations? The only limit to your experiences may be the number of hours in a day.
You’ll also have a chance to participate in internships, research, and fellowships with some of the top groups in the country:
• National Weather Service
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• National Science Foundation
• American Meteorological Society
• WGN-TV, Chicago (and many other stations nationwide)
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
Our University prides itself on being innovative, continually expanding upon its premier programs in response to an everchanging job market. The meteorology major will supply you with a broad skillset that prepares you to create a better world.
THE BEST IN WEATHER TECHNOLOGY
Technology is critical to meteorology, and Valpo has made state-of-the-art instruments and facilities a cornerstone of the degree program. Here you’ll be able to use a wide array of these instruments, facilities, and technology, including:
• 33-foot instrumented tower
• Radiometer
• 5-cm simultaneous dual-polarization Doppler radar
• UNIDATA data retrieval and visualization tools
• Radiosonde launching and tracking systems
• Portable sensors and computers
• Weather in a Tank
CAREER OPTIONS & PLACEMENT
Majoring in meteorology prepares you to take many career paths in the public, private, and/or academic sectors. Three general categories of job openings Valpo students pursue are:
Forecasting for the government, business, or aviation
Broadcasting for TV stations across the country
Researching severe weather, tropical meteorology, extreme weather, and climate impacts
And when you graduate, Valpo’s vibrant alumni network stands ready to share career events, job openings, and mentorship.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For information on scholarships and awards, visit valpo.edu/ financialaid.