Becoming a Meteorologist: Where should I study?

Question

I'm Canadian, in Vancouver, going into my senior year of high school. Since I was little I've always wanted to be a meteorologist and have taken the courses necessary.

However, I am starting to consider moving to the US in the future (staying on the west coast, though). Do I need to study in the US to work there (for NOAA) or can I study in Canada and still work there? In Canada if you study here you go into Environmental Canada.

How does this work? Money-wise I don't think right now I can study in the US for post-secondary. Please help! :)

Answer 1

I know you plan on staying on the west coast, but I know the University of Wisconsin/Madison has a great school for meteorology.  I plan on being a meteorologist and i sent UWI a letter stating what I wanted to do, and they sent me plenty of brochures and booklets about there meteorology program.  

Answer 2

Math, lots of math

Answer 3

Here is a link that shows the qualifications you need to be a meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service

http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-IV...

You don't need to go to school in the U.S., you can stay in Canada and get your education if you like, just make sure you fulfill the requirements.

Schools that have excellent meteorology programs include MIT, Penn State, Oklahoma University, University of Arizona, the University of Chicago and many more. You might also consider majoring in something else (such as physics) and minoring in meteorology, that might give you more options.

Answer 4

To work for NOAA, you need to have a college degree. A high school diploma doesn't cut it. Math, physics, and Earth sciences are very important for study of meteorology.