Careers in Meteorology

Meteorology blends mathematics, physics, and computer sciences to provide a theoretical and applied framework to understand and predict the complexities of the atmosphere. Our undergraduate program prepares students for the pursuit of a broad range of careers in sectors such as meteorology, climatology, environmental science, remote sensing, engineering, emergency management, aviation/aerospace, energy and related fields. Additionally, approximately 40% of our students go on to graduate schools across the nation. In recent years, our broadcast students have been particularly successful, maintaining a 100% employment rate in the weeks following graduation. Our graduate program also prepares students for a broad range of careers, including working with governmental organizations such as the National Weather Service, private companies, and academia.

Students pursuing a degree in Meteorology should make use of the University’s excellent Career Services office, which can be found on the third floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. There are also Career Fairs put on by the OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, the American Meteorological Society, the American Geophysical Union, and the National Weather Association. It is important that students prepare for career fairs and other opportunities adequately. The university has a number of resources to assist students; please contact the School of Meteorology academic coordinators for more information.

Undergraduates can find student jobs in meteorology and related fields throughout the National Weather Center and OU campus, as well as with private sector companies throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Such opportunities make students more competitive when applying for employment after graduation. CIMMS, the Oklahoma Mesonet, Storm Prediction Center, and others have employed Meteorology undergraduates in the past. Students are encouraged to make use of the OU HR department’s resources, which can be found here, as well as checking this page regularly for jobs sent to the department. Most graduate students are employed as either a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) or a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) within the School or with one of our partners in the National Weather Center.

Jobs Page