Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Meteorology
The Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Meteorology at the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering readies future weather science professionals for successful and important careers that serve to inform and educate the public, as well as for advanced study in graduate programs. UIW offers the only B.S. Meteorology and Broadcast Meteorology program in San Antonio and throughout South Texas.
Why Broadcast Meteorology?
Meteorology and weather forecasting are complex sciences that require a deep understanding of the workings of the natural world, air quality, trends and climate. In addition to these, a broadcast meteorologist must have mastery of the advanced technology used in the field and possess the skills and talents to effectively communicate findings and forecasts for mass media audiences. As technology advances and the need for constant weather updates continues, broadcast meteorology will continue to evolve and offer new and different career avenues. Digital, app, streaming video and social media are exciting platforms seeing new growth. That said, television and radio meteorologists remain in need in every region in the country and are critical sources of information for audiences.
Broadcast Meteorology Curriculum
The B.S. in Broadcast Meteorology is a 129-hour degree program that integrates meteorological studies in forecasting, climatology, and satellite, radar, and synoptic meteorology, with higher mathematics, video production and advanced communications. Students can expect an exciting and rigorous program that also offers hands-on practical learning that prepares them for work in the field and in front (or behind) the camera. Students in this program who complete Meteorology courses taken in these majors are applicable toward partially fulfilling the academic requirements to earn the AMS or NWA Seal of Approval.
Students pursuing this major will work and learn in the department’s dedicated Broadcast Meteorology Lab. This fully functional production set allows students to hone their presentation and communication skills in front of the camera and their off-camera production skills.
The Broadcast Meteorology Lab studio features:
- Five production sets to span the range of TV stations in which you could work
- Large format "Green Screen" wall
- Baron Lynx Software
- Highly trained staff
Click here to see one of our broadcast meteorology students in action.
Careers in Broadcast Meteorology
Meteorology is an interdisciplinary program which prepares students for entering a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate programs in weather modeling and forecasting, air pollution studies, broadcast meteorology, hydrology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in meteorology, and education. A high-profile career in meteorology includes media weathercasting for television, radio and newspapers. Digital media, streaming video, social media, apps and other emerging technologies may offer additional opportunities for broadcast meteorologists as audiences seek up-to-date weather content on their platforms. Related careers in meteorology include marketing and sales of meteorological equipment made by companies involved in the design and manufacture of weather instruments.