Meteorology

A CAREER AS A METEOROLOGIST

Meteorologists are hired within various government and private sector roles – these are only some examples:

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) (public, aviation, military and sea ice forecasting across the country), 

  • Provincial Governments (forest fire, environment, transportation, agriculture and utilities such as hydro),

  • The Weather Network, 

  • Weather modification companies (e.g. Weather Modification Inc.), 

  • Broadcast meteorologist (media),

  • Aviation sector (airlines, NavCanada, private companies)

  • Insurance sector,

  • Wind and solar power industries, 

  • Environmental or weather consulting firms,

  • Emergency management,

  • Science writers

  • With a graduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.) specializing in atmospheric science, many more doors open – higher education institutions, government or private research agencies/firms. 

  • Opportunities can be much further expanded if you are willing to work abroad in any part of the World – meteorology and climate expertise is needed around the globe! 

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) provides information on private sector careers and necessary skills:
https://www.ametsoc.org/ams/education-careers/careers/career-guides-tools/preparing-students-for-employment-in-the-private-sector/

QUALIFICATIONS

Meteorologists are required to have a strong background education in physics, mathematics, and meteorology. This prerequisite education is normally obtained through one of the following types of university degree programs:

1) Bachelor of Science (4-year Honours or 4-Year Major) specializing in atmospheric science (offered at University of Manitoba). Courses must include entry and senior level physics and mathematics courses (30 credit hours (ch), or 10 half-term courses total), atmospheric thermodynamics, atmospheric dynamics, synoptic meteorology and 3 other meteorology related courses.

2) Bachelor of Science (Honours or Major in physics, mathematics or engineering with a good background in applied mathematics) combined with a Minor focused on atmospheric science courses. The minor would include 18 ch in atmospheric thermodynamics (3ch), atmospheric dynamics (3ch), synoptic meteorology (3ch) and 3 other atmospheric science related courses.

3) Master of Science (with focus in meteorology or atmospheric science).

Where Should You Study?

The Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources offers a four year B.Sc. Degree (Major, Honours, with Co-Op option) specializing in atmospheric science through the Department of Environment and Geography. This provides all of the necessary requirements to become a meteorologist, including ECCC. Alternatively, you can complete an undergraduate degree in Physics and/or Mathematics at the University of Manitoba combined with the Minor Degree of 6 atmospheric courses (18ch) (mentioned above) in the Department of Environment and Geography. 

Most students choose to take Canada’s only storm chasing course as part of their U. Manitoba program, a unique opportunity. For those interested, the C.H.R. Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources also offers Masters and Ph.D. degrees with specialization in atmospheric and/or climate science.

What Should You Study?

High School Courses

Students who wish to prepare for a professional program in meteorology should have taken the following courses in High School: Pre-Calculus Mathematics and Physics. These courses are essential for careers in meteorology. A type of physical geography course is also recommended.

First Year University Courses

A combination of differential & integral calculus, calculus-based physics, linear algebra, statistics, computer science (python programming) and entry level atmospheric science courses are needed. These courses will provide sufficient background to undertake higher level mathematics/physics and atmospheric science courses. The student is required to meet with an academic advisor in the C.H.R Faculty office prior to registration to ensure they properly proceed with their studies.

Advanced Level Courses

A combination of courses at the 2nd to 3rd year levels in math/physics and 2nd to 4th year courses in atmospheric science are required. The student must have a total of 30 credit hours (or 10 half term courses) of math/physics and atmospheric science courses in: atmospheric thermodynamics, atmospheric dynamics, synoptic meteorology and at least 3 other meteorology related courses. All of these courses are available at the U. Manitoba.

** It cannot be stressed enough, students are strongly encouraged to gain experience in programming (e.g. python) and data analysis/visualization skills. This applies to all sector (government and private) careers.