One of the most asked questions about wanting to be a broadcast meteorologist is, "Do I have to be good at math?" Ideally, one should be. However, it is possible to pursue a career as a broadcast meteorologist without calculus-based core.
I am speaking on behalf of those who wish to enter the radio/news industry, specifically as a broadcast meteorologist. A professional meteorology degree will require a calculus-based core, and this is for those who wish to do more, such as operational or work for the National Weather Service.
I always dreamed of working in the news industry as a meteorologist. Knowing I struggled in math, I wondered if this was a career for me. I knew I had a passion for the weather; I knew weather is all I would ever want to talk about, would I need calculus to work in a news studio?…there had to be some way around it. Before discovering a suitable option, I attempted calculus-based courses before finally deciding this was not the career for me. I consistently searched through meteorology programs from different universities, trying to find the one that required less math. Before running away from what I always hoped to become, I discovered Mississippi State's meteorology programs.
When I started looking into Mississippi State, I found a variety of options for those interested in Meteorology. The on-campus meteorology program offers two degrees, Professional Meteorology and Broadcast Meteorology. Both on-campus degrees require calculus-based core; the only difference is more broadcast or science electives depending on the route taken. However, Mississippi State offers an online Broadcast Operational Meteorology Program (BOMP), which is non-calculus based. The program is initially for those already in the news industry as journalists/reporters who later wish to become a meteorologist with no time to be on campus. BOMP also offers a broadcast meteorologist certification for journalists who may need to report weather from time to time without being a full-time meteorologist. The best part about BOMP is that it also has a non-calculus based graduate program for those who wish to further their career.
I am currently a student from Mississippi State Distance Education Program, pursuing a degree in BOMP. Doing so allows me to take every meteorology course I would have needed at any other university. The program requires one math course above college algebra (I had already taken college-level pre-cal before applying to the program), no physics/chemistry required, and being an online student means in-state tuition! I will say that because this program is for those already in the news industry, I lack the broadcast practicum courses. What I am doing in replace of this is taking journalism/broadcast courses at a local community college, and reaching out to news industries that allow me to practice in the studio. I also have a green screen backdrop to practice here at home. I strongly recommend internships at news studios, reach out to any chief meteorologist for more information. Other than that, the online meteorology degree does not look different from the degree you would earn being an on-campus student. Though I never have to be present on campus, I will be walking the stage at Mississippi State University with a B.S in Geoscience with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology.
I wish I had learned about BOMP earlier in my college career. From going to several weather events and talking to the right people, I finally found where I belong. Anyone struggling with math but dreams of becoming a broadcast meteorologist, I hope my journey can inspire you.
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