Meteorology Major

Study weather and climate, as well as their impacts on society and the environment.

You will study the atmosphere's physical characteristics, motions and processes. Take a mix of traditional classes and hands-on research. Discover diverse career opportunities. Explore fields like weather forecasting, broadcast meteorology, business, environmental science, law and more.

Why study meteorology at the College of Charleston?

College of Charleston is the only university in the country to offer five different pathways to study meteorology. Customize your program of study by choosing weather forecasting with our operational meteorology concentration. Understand the physics of weather and climate change with our atmospheric physics concentration. Learn about the science behind air pollution. This program is flexible, so you can combine a B.A. in meteorology with other programs on campus. Explore non-traditional careers in meteorology with the minor in Business Applications of Weather and Climate, or the minor in meteorology. Regardless of which path you choose, our approachable faculty will prepare you for careers in weather and climate.

What will I learn?

You'll develop a strong foundation in physics, mathematics and atmospheric science. You'll also gain essential computer skills. Understand the science of climate change, hurricanes and severe convective weather. Learn how to communicate meteorological information to the public.

View Curriculum: Meteorology

Program Highlights

This is the only bachelor’s degree in meteorology offered in the state of South Carolina and easily one of the top ten meteorology programs in the southeastern USA. Our operational meteorology concentration exceeds all recommended guidelines for the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Service (NWS). Our atmospheric physics concentration prepares students for graduate study. Our unique BAWC minor opens many growth areas in non-traditional meteorology.
  • Hands-On Learning

    You'll take a mix of traditional classes paired with hands-on research. We have a low student-to-faculty ratio so you will get individual attention. There is a wide variety of opportunities for you to broaden your interests based on the research interests of our faculty. In addition, internships are available with the National Weather Service, Broadcast Meteorologists, and various businesses.

  • Professional Development

    While you work on your major, you can earn certificates in Broadcast Meteorology and Consulting Meteorology. Join the College's chapter of the AMS to take part in chapter meetings, field trips and networking opportunities. Our extensive faculty includes 30-year veterans of the NWS and broadcast meteorology to help guide you into those careers.

Careers & Outcomes

Our majors have gone on to work in numerous traditional and non-traditional fields in meteorology.

  • National Weather Service
  • Marine and polar forecasters
  • Mesonet systems meteorologist
  • Weekend broadcast meteorologist
  • Environmental lab technician
  • Hurricane forecaster
  • Hydrographic surveyer
  • Meteorological suppor technician
  • Air quality inspector and specialists
  • Research associate scientist

About the Minor

A minor in meteorology complements majors in geology, environmental sciences, chemistry, mathematics and many other fields. It may be useful if you are planning a career in fields like:

  • public policy.
  • aviation.
  • environmental consulting.
  • economic planning.
  • risk management.

View Curriculum: Meteorology Minor