Career In Meteorology

What colleges should I be looking for to earn a PhD in meteorology/atmospheric science?

I want to earn a PhD in meteorology. I did a search online and I couldn't find a college here in Florida that has that option. Are there any colleges online that would offer a PhD in meteorology? I don't want to have to go out of state for a college. Also with a PhD, what is the research like that you have to conduct before earning the PhD? Sources?

Public Comments

1. Start with your degree. No, an online degree won't be offered in meterology, especially not for PhD. I HIGHLY suggest getting through your undergrad first before taking on a PhD. Things are going to change in the next decade, and you will really need to think about your undergrad and masters first.
2. Im almost certain Miami offers a PhD or at least a masters in meteorology
3. It really depends on what you are interested in doing for your PhD. This will ultimately determine what college you will want to go to along with some other factors like location, if you like the university, and if there are funds available for you. In my experience, most meteorology graduate studies will fund you with either a research or teaching assistantship. Florida State University does have an advanced degree in meteorology and, as you would expect for the region, mostly focuses on marine and tropical studies. If you are not interested in those there may be some professors that have other interests. If you really are interested in that university in particular the best advice is to e-mail the professors and see 1) what their research focus is 2) if they have any funding and 3) if they are expecting to hire on any new graduate students. However, by this time of the year most schools have already chosen their students. There are some universities that hire graduate students for the spring semester but they are rare. You want to get your applications for admission out early. Most have the deadlines online. There are several good schools that offer PhDs in atmospheric science across the country but you just have to get out there and e-mail them to see what their interests are and if they coincide with your own. A list of universities: http://www.nwas.org/links/universities.php