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[asteria]

Hi, All.

I'm asking this question for a relative who is a sophomore in college right now, so forgive my loose grip on the details. He wants to work toward a career forecasting weather with computer models. At this point, he has two questions:

1. What are the respective benefits of a master's or PhD in the field?
2. If he declares a computer science major, will that decrease his chances of doing graduate study in atmospheric science? What's a more eligible major, if not CS?

I hope this makes some sense. He and I will appreciate any advice or direction. Thanks in advance.

A

[southerntransplant]

I'm not in atmospheric sciences, but have a familiarity with the field.

First off, not every university with a geosciences college has an undergrad program in atmospheric sciences. So a master's or PhD might be the only way to get any education in this area.

I can't say whether a CS degree is going to help, since I'm not that familiar with that field. The atmo folks I know have gotten undergrad degrees in things like physics, chemistry or engineering. Is he looking at using computer models or developing them?

I do numerical modeling and don't have a CS undergrad degree. My own view is that the computer skills are a means to an end, and that the undergrad study would be better focused on familiarity with physics. However, I can't say if a CS undergrad degree is a hinderance.

[geonerd]

I think the best direction and advice you can give your relative is to suggest he speak for himself with the professors in earth science, physics, and computer science. He should do the legwork himself to find the appropriate people to contact by checking each department's webpage and locate the faculty members who serve as undergraduate program advisors.

[asteria]

Thanks, Southerntransplant and Geonerd.

I think he wants to use the computer models, not develop them. I think he has been talking to his professors, but he is at a CC right now and trying to cast a wider net. Maybe he can pop on here and share what he already knows...

[ls410]

At my grad school and at my current school, Atmospheric Science programs are often part of Geography departments.  Sometimes they offer separate degrees and sometimes they have concentrations or tracks.  GIS programs in Geography departments can also give the application of computer programs rather than the development of them.