A major in meteorology-climatology opens the door to your future career in the exciting and ever-changing world of weather and climate. The major is comprehensive but flexible so that you can pursue you own interests within the broad field of atmospheric sciences, while meeting the federal government requirements for employment as a meteorologist.
Your core courses will build a solid foundation that combines basic atmospheric science with training in mathematics, computer science and physics. Beyond those, dive deep into elective courses such as Tropical Meteorology, Climate and Society, Broadcast Meteorology, Severe Storms Meteorology and Climatology, and Weather and Climate Impacts.
Academics + Experience = Opportunities
Complement academic preparation with experiential learning, creating more opportunities after graduation. Talk to an academic advisor and a career coach about making the most of your time at Nebraska.
Four-year success plan
What to do each year
Catalog
Major requirements and courses
Printable summary
With sample four-year schedule
Transferrable Career Skills
- Analyze and explain data
- Use quantitative analysis techniques
- Use qualitative analysis techniques
- Define problems and identifying causes
- Apply mathematical and scientific skills to solve real-world problems
- Make predictions using mathematical, statistical, and scientific modeling methods
- Make decisions carefully, using appropriate theoretical frameworks
- Simplify complex information and present it to others
- Communicate results of scientific experiments to scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Read, understand, and critically review scientific information
Experience
Experience is valuable and goes beyond the classroom. We strive to help you connect your academics with research, internships, education abroad, service learning and leadership experiences in meteorology and climatology, such as:
- Interning with Channel 8 in Lincoln or as a Research Technician with Planetary Data, Inc.
- Learn more about internships
- Researching supercell thunderstorms by radar and drones
- Learn more about undergraduate research
- Studying abroad in a country of interest
- Learn more about education abroad
- Serving as president of the local student chapter of the American Meteorological Society
- Learn more about getting involved in student organizations
- Volunteering with the local National Weather Service Office
- Learn more about service learning
Opportunities
With a major in meteorology-climatology you will be prepared for employment with federal agencies such as the National Weather Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service and the military. You can also work in private weather consulting; broadcast meteorology; and the agriculture, education and energy sectors.
Examples of Alumni Careers
- Broadcast Meteorologist, Hoak Media
- Coding Specialist, National Research Corp.
- Meteorologist, National Weather Service
- Meteorologist, Nebraska Department of Roads
- Photo Journalist, Channel 8 Eyewitness News
- Pilot, U.S. Air Force
- Research Associate, High Plains Regional Climate Center
- Systems Engineer, MITRE Corp.
Examples of Graduate Schools Attended by Alumni
- Master's Degree, Earth & Atmospheric Science - Meteorology-Climatology specialization, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Ph.D., Earth & Atmospheric Science - Meteorology/Climatology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
“This college offers some of the best professors in the world in their field of study, teaching young students, using state-of-the-art technology. Not only are they leading experts in their field of study, but they are just good people in general who truly want to see their students succeed.”
Cody Carlin
Meteorology and Climatology at Nebraska
Meteorology/Climatology is a science major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Our liberal arts degrees provide a broad education across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for a variety of careers.
Let curiosity move you.
Contact Us
Academic and Career Advising Center
107 Oldfather Hall
402-472-4190
casadvising@unl.edu