Meteorology FAQs

Can I become a meteorologist online?
Iowa State, like most universities, requires students to spend a significant portion of their time in residence on campus.  Our undergraduate and graduate courses are offered only during the day. The American Meteorological Society has a listing of meteorology correspondence courses that satisfy their core requirements.

Can I complete a BS degree in 4 years?
The majority of our students complete their degree in 4 years by following a suggested class list that we provide.  To succeed in 4 years, it is very important to do well in calculus classes during the first year.  An increasing number of students, however, have chosen to stick around an extra semester or two to devote more attention to the required senior thesis.

How many years does it generally take to complete MS and PhD degrees in Atmospheric Sciences at ISU?
A MS usually takes 2 years; and a PhD usually takes about 4 years beyond the MS.

Is a BA or a BS in Meteorology or a related field required to be admitted into the MS program in meteorology?
Yes.

How can I find out more about the meteorology program, besides the information at your website?
Want to visit personally with a meteorology adviser and check out our facilities? Schedule a visit through ISU Campus Visits.  When you fill out the form, enter "Meteorology" as your "Intended Major," then choose either Option A, B, or C.

I took some courses at a community college. How can I transfer them to the meteorology program?
That would be arranged through ISU’s Office of the Register.  They would be able to give you the precise instructions to follow.  Information for transfer students is available at the Admissions website.

Do you have a broadcast meteorology program?
We do not have a broadcast meteorology program, but many of our students have moved on to careers in broadcast meteorology by taking advantage of available opportunities at Iowa State. Some have taken journalism courses or earned minors in journalism, and others participate in Cy's Eyes on the Skies, an entirely student-run live weather show airing on a local cable access channel. Many of our students earn internship credit in meteorology by interning at television stations, and the good relationships we have with these stations has been invaluable in helping students with this career path.

Do the students in the program ever get to use the C-6, the virtual reality thing?
The C-6 was the first and is one of the only 6-sided virtual reality caves at a US University (all 4 walls, the floor, and ceiling are computer screens that project images).  Meteorology students do not get to use it directly (someday they may) but they do get to use a virtual tornadic storm activity that runs on PCs that was created in the C-6. The C-6 only holds 7 people at a time and is very busy now, which is why students can't use it.  In the future, presumably costs will fall and these will be more common and students in meteorology could see the virtual storm in C-6 instead of on a PC (www.vrac.iastate.edu/research/sites/tornado/index.html).

Does the Meteorology Undergrad Program offer any departmental scholarships?
Unfortunately, our program does not offer a scholarship, but the faculty routinely hire undergraduates to participate in funded research projects, thus enabling them to earn money and experience that looks great on a resume.  ISU's Office of Financial Aid has a great website with easy-to-find information and forms on scholarships and grants, loans, and student employment.  Also, The Admissions Office has some helpful information about "Financing your Education."

I’m attending a community college and am interested in transferring into the Meteorology Program at Iowa State. Do I need an AA degree from the community college before I can transfer?
No.

How can I get to know other meteorology students?
During the first 3 semesters, most students have very few meteorology courses and limited chances to interact with other meteorology majors.  The best way to get to know other students, and especially students at other levels, is to be involved with the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society. ISU's chapter has won honor roll status several times as one of the best in the nation.  The first meeting of the year is usually heavily advertised with information posted near the meteorology office in 3010 Agronomy.  The group plans social activities, field trips, and brings in special speakers to talk about various aspects of meteorology.

Do you have a class on tornado chasing?
Because most severe weather occurs after spring semester ends, we do not have a formal class that chases tornadoes. In addition, tornado chasing is dangerous for those without much experience or understanding of severe convective storms, and we cannot condone it for the majority of students.  However, the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society normally organizes email lists of people interested in storm chasing.  During those rare events where the weather gets stormy during the academic year, there are usually at least 5-10 students, both undergraduate and graduate, who chase tornadoes.  Typically more experienced storm chasers are placed with students having less experience to reduce danger. No student should ever chase tornadoes alone or without veteran chasers present.

I took the GRE test 3 years ago. Do I have to retake it before I can apply for your graduate program?
We follow the GRE Board policy in that we allow the retaining and reporting of GRE scores earned during the 5-year period before the beginning of the current testing year.