San José State University : Undergraduate Studies : Meteorology

Meteorology

The meteorology program provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the atmosphere, and prepares them for careers in the atmospheric sciences.

To be able to analyze, visualize, and interpret meteorological and climatological data.
To develop a sound understanding of physical meteorology.
To develop a sound understanding of climate and climate change.
To develop a sound understanding of dynamical meteorology.
To develop skills in weather forecasting.
To develop skills in oral and written communication.
To develop diversification and flexibility in their training, so that they can adapt to changing career opportunities.
To develop an understanding of how meteorology is integrated into other physical and natural sciences.

Graduates with a BS in Meteorology will be able to:

(SLO-1) …develop and present a forecast in the 3-hour to 5-day time frame with considerable skill.
(SLO-2) …conduct and present a research topic in a written manner in AMS format.
(SLO-3) …demonstrate proficiency in common weather visualization software to display meteorological data.
(SLO-4) …apply algorithms to analyze, visualize, and interpret meteorological data using modern algorithmic techniques.
(SLO-5) …explain radiative energy transfer and energy budget.
(SLO-6) …understand the microphysics of cloud and precipitation formation processes.
(SLO-7) …describe the fundamental processes responsible for atmospheric motions and the general circulation in a qualitative and quantitative manner.
(SLO-8) …use thermodynamics and radiative transfer concepts to explain global warming.
(SLO-9) …read and interpret weather maps, charts, and diagrams.

MS Goals

To develop competency in theoretical meteorology.
To be able to conduct independent research
To have well developed oral and written communication skills.
To develop a sound understanding of atmospheric dynamics
To develop a sound understanding of clouds and precipitation processes.
To develop diversification and flexibility in their training so that they can adapt to changing career opportunities

Graduates with a MS in Meteorology will be able to:

(SLO-1) …conduct an independent research project.
(SLO-2) …produce a written research thesis in AMS format.
(SLO-3) …deliver a 45-minute seminar on their research.
(SLO-4) …understand atmospheric aerosols, clouds and cloud-aerosol-climate interactions.
(SLO-5) …describe the fundamental processes responsible for atmospheric motions and the general circulation in both qualitative and quantitative manners.

Assessment reports for undergraduate program: spring 2007 (doc) fall 2007 (doc) spring 2008 (doc)

Assessment reports for graduate program: spring 2007 (doc) fall 2007 (doc) spring 2008 (doc)

this page last updated 7/10/08