People who major in Meteorology need a strong background in science, mathematics and computer skills. In high school, students should take earth sciences, physics, chemistry and mathematics through at least precalculus. Generally, students who have completed a course in calculus and/or a course in computer programming will have an advantage when starting their meteorology studies. Students should take their high school's college-preparation English classes and should know how to use a word processor on a computer.

If you really want to get a head start, take our completely online course, Meteorology 101: An Introduction to Weather Forecasting. High school seniors have successfully taken this course in the past and earned three credits toward their B.S. degree before they even arrived at Penn State! Be sure to read the requirements for this course to make sure you are prepared for its structure and the commitment of time that is necessary in order to do well in it. This is a college-level course. Use the link above or click [here] for more information on Meteorology 101.