Message from Department Head, David Stensrud
Undergraduate students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science with one of five different options that are tailored to their interests and career opportunities. Graduate students produce new knowledge and applications in specialties ranging from tropical meteorology to severe storms, data assimilation to ecosystem biochemistry, and weather forecasting to climate prediction. We stress ethics, sustainability and professional development in our courses and have a new Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk that has a vision to enable the optimal outcome for every decision where weather and climate matter. Both the breadth and depth of faculty knowledge enrich the student learning experience within the Department of Meteorology where weather and climate meet in service to society.
Post-graduation surveys indicate our graduates are highly sought after by employers, as from 2011-2012 over 85% of our undergraduates found employment in their major field. Since 1942 the Department has granted over 3000 Bachelor of Science degrees, 750 Master of Science degrees and 230 Doctor of Philosophy degrees. This gives us one of the largest alumni groups within Meteorology and provides a natural networking opportunity for all of our students. It is difficult to visit any weather-related company, or attend any weather or climate meeting, and not meet a fellow alumnus of Penn State!
Please spend a few minutes browsing our website to learn more about the Department. It is a wonderful place to learn, to stretch your abilities, to make life-long friendships and to prepare for a career where you can make a positive difference in your community and the world.