Meteorology Certificate – Undergraduate

Why Choose Our Meteorology Certificate?

• Career-Focused Training: Gain foundational skills for entry-level roles or enhance your current job with meteorology expertise.
• Flexible Learning: Complete courses online or on-campus to fit your schedule, ideal for busy professionals or job seekers.
• Quick Path to Employment: Finish in as little as one year, opening doors to weather-related careers without a full degree.
• Versatile Applications: Perfect for unemployed individuals launching a career or professionals in aviation, emergency management, or energy sectors needing weather training.

Job Opportunities with Your Meteorology Certificate

For Unemployed Individuals Seeking a Career Start

• Weather Observer ($30,000–$50,000/year): Collect and report weather data at airports or weather stations. Courses like GEO 230 Introduction to Meteorology and GEO 460 Weather Analysis teach you to use meteorological instruments and interpret data, key skills for roles with the National Weather Service or private firms like AccuWeather.
• Broadcast Meteorology Assistant ($25,000–$45,000/year): Support TV/radio weather teams by preparing graphics and forecasts. GEO 450 Extreme Weather and GEO 460 Weather Analysis provide forecasting skills, while electives like GEO 101 Physical Geography enhance your ability to communicate weather impacts.
• Environmental Technician ($35,000–$55,000/year): Monitor weather-related environmental data for consulting firms or government agencies. GEO 426 Principles of GIS and GEO 431 Remote Sensing equip you with tools to analyze climate and weather data, critical for renewable energy or environmental roles.
• Meteorology Technician:  Collect and analyze weather data using tools like radar and anemometers, launching a rewarding career in supporting accurate forecasts for aviation, renewable energy, and emergency management, with a salary range typically between $49,000 and $69,000 per year in the United States as of 2025.

For Employed Professionals Needing Meteorology Certificate Training

• Aviation Weather Specialist ($45,000–$80,000/year): Provide weather briefings for pilots or air traffic control. GEO 355 Aviation Weather directly addresses aviation-specific forecasting, preparing you for FAA or airline roles with minimal additional training.
• Emergency Management Specialist ($40,000–$70,000/year): Coordinate responses to weather disasters. GEO 450 Extreme Weather and GEO 425 Climatology give you the knowledge to interpret severe weather alerts, enhancing your role in FEMA or local government positions.
• Wildfire Weather Specialist ($40,000–$75,000/year): Forecast conditions for firefighting efforts. GEO 230 Introduction to Meteorology and GEO 460 Weather Analysis build skills for fire weather forecasting, supporting roles with the U.S. Forest Service or NWS.
• Renewable Energy Weather Analyst ($50,000–$85,000/year): Optimize wind or solar energy production with weather forecasts. GEO 426 Principles of GIS and GEO 431 Remote Sensing teach data analysis for energy applications, valuable for companies like NextEra or Vestas.
• Marine Weather Forecaster ($45,000–$80,000/year): Support maritime operations with wave and wind forecasts. GLY 150 Oceanography and GEO 460 Weather Analysis provide critical marine weather knowledge for NOAA or shipping companies.

Program Details: Build Your Weather Expertise

Required Core Meteorology Certificate Courses (12 credits)

• GEO 230 Introduction to Meteorology (4 credits): Master the fundamentals of atmospheric science, weather patterns, and forecasting techniques.
• GEO 450 Extreme Weather (4 credits): Learn to predict and analyze severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
• GEO 460 Weather Analysis (4 credits): Develop hands-on skills in interpreting weather models and data.

Elective Courses (Choose at least 7 credits)

• GEO 101 Physical Geography (4 credits): Understand land-atmosphere interactions.
• GEO 355 Aviation Weather (3 credits): Gain specialized knowledge for aviation forecasting.
• GEO 425 Climatology (4 credits): Explore long-term weather patterns.
• GEO 426 Geographic Information Systems (4 credits): Learn geographic information systems for weather data visualization.
• GEO 431 Remote Sensing (4 credits): Master aerial photo and satellite data analysis.
• GEO 480-483 Special Topics (1–4 credits): Customize your training with cutting-edge meteorology topics.
• GLY 150 Oceanography (3 credits) + GLY 150L Oceanography Lab (1 credit): Study ocean-atmosphere interactions.

Why This Certificate Stands Out

• Job-Ready Skills: Courses emphasize practical tools like weather modeling, GIS, and remote sensing, aligning with employer needs in high-demand fields.
• Career Versatility: Prepare for diverse roles across aviation, media, environmental, and energy sectors, or enhance your current job with weather expertise.
• Path to Advancement: Pair the certificate with short certifications (e.g., FEMA, FAA, or NWS training) to unlock higher-paying roles or pursue a bachelor’s degree later.
• Affordable and Accessible: Complete the program in as little as one year, online or on-campus, making it ideal for job seekers and working professionals alike.

Take the First Step Today!