The program at Michigan State University offers three different degree levels in their climatology program. The program also offers an agricultural focus, helping students learn to analyze weather patterns to predict crop yields in farming areas -- information that's valuable to both farmers and commodities traders. The program operates under the wing of the Department of Geography, which offers dedicated geography degrees.
This four-year program prepares students to work as entry-level meteorologists and weather analysts. These students may also end up with jobs in chasing storms and performing work in a laboratory environment. The curriculum is composed of a combination of math and science courses that equip students with the necessary combination of skills to successfully enter the field.
In addition to the four-year undergraduate program, students can also complete an additional two years of education to obtain a master's degree in climatology. Graduate courses focus more on the physical nature of meteorology and often involve the advanced analysis of thermodynamics and weather forecasting, based on pattern analysis. This more complex courses are often geared more towards those looking to continue working in the field academically or taking a role in commercial research.
Obtaining a Ph.D. in climatology can take an additional three years of education. Doctoral students typically spend their time creating a complex dissertation, which serves as an entry point into the circle of expert climatologists, and that they must defend by a panel of peers and professors in order to obtain the official degree.