Meteorologists/atmospheric scientists - structure of the study

[Steven_Scott]

I'm not sure if this is the correct thread, so please accept my apologies if I've posted in the wrong section.

My question is for meteorologists and atmospheric scientists who did their undergraduate degree in different, but related fields, such as physics, chemistry, Earth science, etc. and did their graduate work in meteorology/atmospheric science.

Do you feel that you missed anything by not having an undergraduate degree in meteorology/atmospheric science or did the prerequisites required by your program bring you up to speed well enough?

 

[TonyG]

Thank you for your question. As a meteorologist who did my undergraduate degree in physics and then pursued graduate studies in meteorology, I can offer some insight into your question.

In my experience, the prerequisites required for my graduate program did bring me up to speed in terms of the foundational knowledge and skills needed for meteorology. However, I do feel that having an undergraduate degree in meteorology or a related field would have provided me with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a more well-rounded perspective.

One of the main differences I have noticed is in the level of hands-on experience and practical application of meteorological concepts. While my undergraduate degree provided me with a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, I had to work harder to gain practical experience in meteorology through internships and research opportunities.

Additionally, having a background in a related field like physics or chemistry has its advantages in terms of understanding the underlying physical processes and equations involved in meteorology. However, it may also require some additional effort to bridge the gap between the two disciplines.

Overall, I believe that both routes - pursuing an undergraduate degree in meteorology or a related field and then specializing in meteorology at the graduate level - have their own unique benefits. It ultimately depends on your interests and goals as a scientist. I hope this helps in your decision-making process.
A fellow scientist