In the eye of the hurricane
As a meteorology major at Iowa State, you’ll develop a broad understanding of the fundamental physical and dynamic processes governing the motions and behavior of the atmosphere as a fluid system. Meteorologists play a crucial role in monitoring, modeling, and predicting weather patterns that impact human activities and various industries, particularly agriculture and transportation.
Meteorology majors receive hands-on training in courses related to instrumentation, such as radar, and forecasting via synoptic and mesoscale labs. Real-world experience and skills requested by future employers are gained through the required senior thesis, projects in other courses, and field experiences.
A degree founded on expertise
Whether you advise companies on weather risks, monitor real-time weather data and maintain databases, or prepare forecasts for industry or the public, you can turn your passion into a profession and make a positive difference.
Employers in government, technology, business, insurance, national security, research, and many other fields are hiring meteorologists for careers such as:
- Weather Forecaster
- Broadcast Meteorologist
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Military weather officer
- Catastrophe modeling
- Weather Analyst
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Hydrometeorologist
- Meteorological Technician
- Operational Meteorologist
- Climatologist
The meteorology program prepares you for careers in the National Weather Service, broadcasting, or the private sector.
With your skills, you’ll help develop more sustainable systems for societies and assist communities in building resilience and adapting to changes. Get to know the LAS career services team to help you explore the many career opportunities a degree in climate science can open for you.
A Cyclone in the making
Meteorology majors at ISU are part of a close-knit community of students and faculty who share a passion for weather. Iowa State has an award-winning student chapter of the American Meteorological Society, in which you can get involved. Meteorology majors are also eligible for several scholarships to support their educational goals.
Work with expert faculty and staff mentors who are on the cutting edge of meteorology and climate science. You will benefit from research and field opportunities inside and outside the classroom, and you can even make undergraduate research your campus job. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research support student researchers financially.
You will also connect with a network of alumni who are leaders in Iowa and beyond while you pursue your major and after you graduate.