Top Meteorology Schools/Colleges (US)

Meteorology, the scientific study of the atmosphere and weather patterns, plays a crucial role in understanding and predicting weather phenomena, including storms, hurricanes, and climate change. As the field of meteorology continues to grow and evolve, universities across the United States offer comprehensive programs designed to educate the next generation of meteorologists. The following institutions are considered some of the best for studying meteorology, offering top-tier programs, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is widely regarded as one of the top institutions for meteorology in the United States. The School of Meteorology at OU is the largest program of its kind in the nation and is renowned for its cutting-edge research in mesoscale meteorology and severe storm systems. Mesoscale meteorology focuses on weather phenomena that occur on a smaller scale than traditional weather systems, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other severe weather events. OU’s expertise in this area is unmatched, and its faculty and students are often at the forefront of research in this field.

In addition to its strengths in research, the School of Meteorology at OU offers a range of degree programs that cater to students at different stages of their academic careers. These include a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, and even a Ph.D. in Meteorology. There is also an M.S. program in Professional Meteorology, which is geared towards students who want to work in applied meteorology and forecasting. This program provides students with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing them for careers in government agencies, private industry, and the media.

OU's meteorology program also offers students opportunities for internships, research, and fieldwork. The university’s location in "Tornado Alley," the region of the United States that experiences the highest frequency of tornadoes, provides students with direct access to real-time weather phenomena, making it an ideal environment for studying severe weather. In fact, the university’s strong ties to the National Weather Center, located in Norman, Oklahoma, enhance students' educational and professional experiences. Many students gain valuable hands-on experience by working with meteorologists and weather experts in real-world settings.

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa is another top institution for meteorology, particularly for students interested in tropical weather systems and ocean-atmosphere interactions. The Department of Meteorology at UH Manoa has developed a strong reputation for its research and educational programs. The department is part of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), which is recognized as one of the world’s most active research hubs in the geosciences. Students at UH Manoa benefit from the university’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, where they can study tropical cyclones, trade winds, and other oceanic meteorological phenomena that are critical to understanding global weather patterns.

The Department of Meteorology at UH Manoa offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in meteorology, including a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), a Master of Science (M.S.), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The program is known for its strong emphasis on research, particularly in the areas of tropical meteorology, climate variability, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. The university’s location in Hawai‘i provides students with unique opportunities to study weather patterns that differ significantly from those in other parts of the world, especially those related to the Pacific Ocean and tropical regions.

In addition to the academic programs, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa has been a member of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) since 1965, a non-profit consortium that provides advanced research, educational, and training resources in atmospheric science. Through its membership in UCAR, UH Manoa students have access to a vast network of researchers, data, and educational resources that help them stay on the cutting edge of meteorological science.

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso, Indiana, is another excellent choice for students interested in meteorology, particularly those who wish to pursue undergraduate studies. The university’s Department of Geography and Meteorology offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in meteorology. While the program is not as large as those found at some of the nation’s top research universities, it provides a personalized, hands-on learning experience for students interested in atmospheric science.

One of the key strengths of Valparaiso’s meteorology program is its close connection to the National Weather Service (NWS). The department has built a strong relationship with the NWS, and students have numerous opportunities to complete internships at NWS forecast offices throughout the country. This exposure to real-world weather forecasting, operational meteorology, and data analysis is invaluable for students preparing for careers in government or private-sector meteorology.

Valparaiso University also places a strong emphasis on preparing students for graduate study in meteorology or related fields. The program provides a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied meteorology, including coursework in atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, climate, and numerical weather prediction. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, weather forecasting competitions, and other activities that provide practical experience in meteorology.

Despite being a smaller program, Valparaiso University’s meteorology department has earned recognition for its academic rigor and the success of its graduates. The university has been included in The Princeton Review's "Best Colleges: Region by Region" for 2011 and is consistently praised for its strong academic offerings and dedicated faculty.

Conclusion

Meteorology is a dynamic and challenging field, and the universities mentioned above offer some of the best programs in the United States for students interested in atmospheric sciences. Whether students are looking to study severe storms and tornadoes at the University of Oklahoma, tropical meteorology and ocean-atmosphere interactions at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, or pursue a comprehensive undergraduate meteorology program at Valparaiso University, each of these institutions provides unique opportunities for learning, research, and professional development.

The University of Oklahoma is widely considered the leading institution for meteorology in the U.S., especially in the area of severe storm research. Students interested in mesoscale meteorology and severe weather forecasting will benefit from the school’s strong faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and access to real-time weather data.

Meanwhile, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa offers a distinctive approach to meteorology, with a focus on tropical systems and oceanic weather phenomena, making it an excellent choice for those interested in studying climate variability and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

Finally, Valparaiso University offers a strong undergraduate meteorology program with excellent internship opportunities through its relationship with the National Weather Service, providing students with practical experience in weather forecasting and operations.

Each of these institutions is committed to preparing the next generation of meteorologists to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate and an ever-more complex weather system, ensuring their graduates are well-equipped to succeed in this vital and growing field.