Best institutions to study Meteorology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change.
27 U.S. institutions graduated 276 Meteorology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.0404, a specialization of Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (CIP 40.04), and leads most directly to the Atmospheric and Space Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-2021).
About Meteorology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. Includes instruction in general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, parameterization, numerical and statistical analysis, large- and mesoscale phenomena, kinematic structures, precipitation processes, and forecasting techniques.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Meteorology program, part of Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, focuses on the scientific study of atmospheric motion and climate change. It is designed for students interested in understanding weather patterns and the factors that influence climate, preparing them for a variety of roles in atmospheric sciences. This program is ideal for those who enjoy science and mathematics and wish to apply these skills to real-world challenges related to weather and climate.
Students in the Meteorology program will gain knowledge in areas such as general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, and forecasting techniques. Core skills developed include critical thinking, data interpretation, and the use of mathematical and computer models for weather forecasting.
Credentials awarded
What Meteorology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree227 graduates / yr · 20 institutions82%
- Master's degree23 graduates / yr · 4 institutions8.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship12 graduates / yr · 3 institutions4.3%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions3.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.1%
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.7%
Graduates over time
Meteorology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 254 |
| 2013 | 246 |
| 2014 | 259 |
| 2015 | 251 |
| 2016 | 224 |
| 2017 | 249 |
| 2018 | 225 |
| 2019 | 196 |
| 2020 | 217 |
| 2021 | 282 |
| 2022 | 285 |
| 2023 | 267 |
| 2024 | 283 |
| 2025 | 276 |
Top 27 institutions for Meteorology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 79 | 75% | — | $44,270 |
| 2 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VAPublicBachelor's | 35 | 86% | — | $43,494 |
| 3 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicBachelor's | 19 | 84% | — | — |
| 4 | Iowa State University Ames, IAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 17 | 75% | — | — |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NCPublicBachelor's | 17 | 69% | — | — |
| 6 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MNPublicBachelor's | 13 | 40% | — | — |
| 7 | University of South Alabama Mobile, ALPublicBachelor's | 12 | 53% | — | — |
| 8 | Western Illinois University Macomb, ILPublicBachelor's | 10 | 45% | — | — |
| 9 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 9 | 64% | $33,585 | — |
| 10 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 68% | — | — |
| 11 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicBachelor's | 7 | 56% | — | — |
| 12 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicBachelor's | 7 | 59% | — | — |
| 13 | State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, NYPublicBachelor's | 6 | 60% | — | — |
| 14 | Vermont State University Randolph, VTPublicBachelor's | 6 | 47% | — | — |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicBachelor's | 5 | 49% | — | — |
| 16 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 4 | — | — | — |
| 17 | College of Charleston Charleston, SCPublicBachelor's | 4 | 66% | — | — |
| 18 | University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 51% | $21,745 | — |
| 19 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 84% | $26,589 | — |
| 20 | SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NYPublicBachelor's | 3 | 69% | — | — |
| 21 | SUNY Brockport Brockport, NYPublicBachelor's | 2 | 55% | — | — |
| 22 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 43% | — | — |
| 23 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAssociate's | 1 | 16% | — | — |
| 24 | University of Florida Gainesville, FLPublicBachelor's | 1 | 91% | — | — |
| 25 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 1 | 96% | $11,666 | — |
| 26 | Marshall University Huntington, WVPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 51% | — | — |
| 27 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZPublicAssociate's | 1 | 30% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology field (CIP 40.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 21 states
Where Meteorology graduates come from. Each state links to all Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2021, Atmospheric and Space Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Meteorology program can pursue careers as Atmospheric and Space Scientists, among other roles. The job outlook for this field shows little to no change, with approximately 700 annual openings and a median wage of $97,450. A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 40.0404
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Atmospheric and Space Scientistsprimary SOC 19-2021 | $99,070 | +0.7% Little or no change | ~700 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1051 | $103,170 | +2.6% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Meteorology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Tools and technology used
Other Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (CIP 40.04).
- Atmospheric Sciences and MeteorologyCIP 40.0401953 graduates / yr70 institutions
- Atmospheric Sciences and MeteorologyCIP 40.0499partial data44 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Atmospheric Chemistry and ClimatologyCIP 40.0402limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics40.0403
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Meteorology?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or a Doctor's degree in Meteorology.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, mathematics, and scientific analysis.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Meteorology?+
You can work as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist, Natural Sciences Manager, or a teacher in related fields.
What is the job outlook for Meteorology graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 700 annual openings in the field.
What is the CIP code for Meteorology?+
Meteorology is CIP 40.0404 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (CIP 40.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. Includes instruction in general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, parameterization, numerical and statistical analysis, large- and mesoscale phenomena, kinematic structures, precipitation processes, and forecasting techniques.
How many institutions offer Meteorology programs?+
27 U.S. institutions reported Meteorology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 21 states, awarding 276 credentials in the year. That is 21.6% of all Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates.
How much do Meteorology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Atmospheric and Space Scientists occupation, which Meteorology most directly leads to, pays a median of $99,070 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology field report median earnings of $44,270 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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