Bachelor of Science (BS) in Meteorology
Turn Atmospheric Science and Technology Into Global Solutions
Ready for an education that combines rigorous atmospheric science with Silicon Valley innovation?
San José State University’s Bachelor of Science in Meteorology program takes a hands-on approach, immersing you in advanced data analytics, predictive modeling and real-time extreme weather monitoring from day one. You’ll learn the science behind climate systems and extreme weather events while gaining invaluable technical skills and research expertise.
Whether you’re tackling high-demand weather analytics jobs or continuing to graduate school, the meteorology major prepares you to play an active role in helping companies and agencies address the impacts of extreme weather events.
Why Choose the Meteorology Major at SJSU?
Housed in the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science, our bachelor’s degree in meteorology program transforms how you experience weather and understand atmospheric science. While studying at SJSU, you benefit from:
- Experiential learning that brings meteorology to life through real-time weather briefings, storm chasing using two mobile Doppler radars, instrumentation field work, scientific writing workshops and collaborative lab assignments.
- Faculty members who conduct high-impact research, ensuring you gain hands-on technical skills to enhance your career placement.
- Student groups, such as the Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, helping you connect with aspiring meteorologists and build lasting relationships.
- Access to a range of meteorology scholarship opportunities that offer financial support and lower your out-of-pocket college costs.
- Proximity to Silicon Valley, which connects you to tech companies, environmental startups and NASA research centers that are shaping the future of weather tech and climate data analytics.
What You’ll Learn
The bachelor’s degree in meteorology program offers skills-based, scientific education that prepares you for professional practice or for continued study in graduate school. Building on SJSU’s general education requirements, our program curriculum requires you to take 27 units of preparatory classes in chemistry, calculus and physics to ensure you have a solid foundation for your meteorology courses.
As a meteorology major, you’re immersed in hands-on training that equips you to:
- Analyze atmospheric phenomena across different spatial and temporal scales, ranging from continental storm systems to localized weather events such as tornadoes.
- Evaluate long-term climate trends and use statistical models to quantify risk, predict anomalies and guide environmental policy.
- Use programming skills and AI-powered tools to tackle complex problems in atmospheric and environmental sciences.
- Apply advanced measurement techniques and operate specialized meteorological instruments, with a focus on calibration and deployment for field data collection of weather events.
- Translate complex data into insights through formal meteorological reports, live professional weather briefings and digital visualizations.
Review Meteorology Major Requirements
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduating with your bachelor’s degree in meteorology, you’re well-equipped to:
- Read and interpret various meteorological diagrams and develop and present a short-to-medium-term forecast with considerable skill.
- Explain meteorological phenomena at various scales in terms of basic physical and dynamic processes, including radiative forcing, thermodynamics, microphysics and dynamics.
- Use meteorological instruments and techniques to collect and interpret data.
- Explain the current climate in terms of basic physical and dynamic processes and the mechanisms responsible for climate change.
- Articulate ideas and results through written, statistical, graphical, oral and computer-based forms of communication.
Careers in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
As our Earth’s atmosphere and climate are rapidly changing, we increasingly depend on atmospheric data to keep people safe, secure infrastructure and even drive economic decisions.
The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology program at San José State University positions you with a well-rounded scientific and technical expertise to chart a dynamic career in weather forecasting, climate analysis and atmospheric research.
Using your understanding of atmospheric thermodynamics and skills like weather forecast modeling and analysis, you’re qualified for high-demand roles across the public and private sectors. These careers span industries and fields and include positions like:
- Atmospheric scientist
- Fire meteorologist
- Climate scientist
- Digital meteorologist
- Forecast meteorologist
Where SJSU’s Graduates Work
With our location near the heart of Silicon Valley and our long-standing industry connections, SJSU offers meteorology majors access to an innovative and thriving professional hub. Our graduates, who are recognized for their hard work and climate science knowledge, have built successful careers at companies and organizations such as:
- Pacific Gas & Electric Company
- Southern California Edison
- NASA
- Technosylva, Inc.
BS in Meteorology Program Admissions
Ready to take your next step toward earning your meteorology degree? Applying to San José State University is your gateway to a transformative education.
Whether you are just beginning your college journey, transferring from a community college or relocating to the U.S., our meteorology major helps you launch your future.
Select your student type to review specific admission requirements and application instructions:
International Freshman Admissions
International Transfer Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester
- The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.
Spring Semester
- The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Financial Aid
Earning your bachelor’s degree in meteorology at SJSU is an investment in yourself and your professional future. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers the practical support and resources you need to make your academic goals a reality.
Become a Meteorologist at SJSU
Be a part of driving environmental sustainability and human adaptation to changing climates by enrolling in San José State University’s Bachelor of Science in Meteorology program. Grounded in hands-on training, our meteorology major turns your passion for the atmospheric sciences into a technical, career-ready skill set.
Take the next step and apply to San José State University today! Or, if you want additional guidance to plan ahead, schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to get started.
