Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• What courses should I take in high school to prepare me for entrance into Penn State's Department of Meteorology? 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.



• Can I get a Meteorology Degree (B.S., M.S. or Ph.D.) from Penn State completely online? You cannot get a Meteorology degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) from Penn State online or by distance education. However, we do currently offer a 12-credit, completely online certificate program, Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting. The next question also addresses some general information about this course.



• Do you offer any distance education courses by correspondence or over the internet? Yes, we currently offer a completely online certificate program titled Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, which consists of four 3-credit online courses. Anyone may take these courses through World Campus. If you are a student at a Penn State campus other than University Park, you will need to check to see if your campus offers this course. If not, you will need to enroll through World Campus, which means that you will have to pay additional tuition. In the past, only students at the following Penn State campuses were able to register for this course: Berks, Delaware, Lehigh, McKeesport, and University Park. This list is subject to change, so please check with your campus Registrar's Office.



• May I begin my Meteorology degree at another Penn State Campus? Yes, many students begin their Meteorology degree at a Penn State campus other than University Park. However, you must transfer to University Park to finish your last two years of your Meteorology degree.

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