University of Maryland College Park Bachelor Degree Program in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
University & College Info May 17, 2013If you have ever wondered whether or not the weather was going to be fair or inclement, then perhaps your curiosity was piqued for a moment. How do people go about predicting the weather? Why do some predictions not come true, while others happen right away? This is the science of atmosphere and oceanography. If you truly have the desire to learn more, the University of Maryland at College Park offers a bachelor degree program in atmospheric and oceanic science, two of the most notable subjects in meteorology and oceanography. Once you understand the science, you can understand the weather, the movement of the ocean, and even deeper issues of climate change and the effect of air pollution.
The Extensiveness of UMD Training in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science
Students who succeed in this educational training course have promising careers ahead of them, including local or even federal positions as a meteorologist or oceanographer. This is not a learning program, but a complete undergraduate research opportunity. UMD offers a thriving community as well as the diversity of a large university, allowing you all the resources you need. The course centers on world-class research that can be used in a variety of fields, from engineering to law to business or teaching. The atmospheric and oceanic sciences you learn from the course gives you a firm foundation that you can build onto with specializations and electives.
The fundamentals of the training focus on chemistry and physics and how modern computer sciences contribute to how we are able to predict the weather. Principles of what controls the weather are also discussed, including the inclement conditions that develop, such as tornadoes, freezes and how the changing environment is affected for future generations. The first two years of the course deal with fundamentals while the last two years are concerned with hard sciences, particularly with computer modeling studies and research assignments. Students are able to make use of laboratories, including the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
The Job Outlook for UMD Graduates
The job outlook for students is certainly promising, and certainly not limited to TV weather forecasters – who oftentimes get the weather prediction wrong! In fact, the best students progress well beyond entertainment and news, and go onto private sectors, including government positions with NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Others will reach out in education, while others may seek work with private companies. Some jobs will actually go to students with only a bachelor’s degree, though opportunities abound with further education.
Bear in mind that there are federal GSA requirements for meteorologists and pursuing this goal, as early as a graduate course, can prepare you for a scientific career. With new media and technology developing in recent years, including video, audio, web and non-media forecasting, the job outlook is looking more promising by each passing year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career path for this field is set to grow at over 15%, which is well above average for most careers.
Humankind has always sought to understand, predict and prepare for the weather and the latest innovations in science make that possible. Be part of the new age and get educated now for a prosperous and exciting career!
