Overview

The Meteorology programme at Western Kentucky University provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in atmospheric sciences and weather forecasting. This degree is specifically designed to meet the stringent federal civil service requirements necessary for professional roles within the National Weather Service.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances advanced theoretical studies with applied practical experience. The course emphasises meteorological instrumentation and computer programming, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce or for further academic research at the graduate level.

The department encourages active participation in faculty-sponsored research projects.

Why Meteorology at Western Kentucky University?

This programme stands as the first and largest of its kind in the Kentucky and Tennessee region. It is uniquely structured to allow broadcast meteorology students to pursue the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist status immediately upon their graduation from the university.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Field Methods in Weather Analysis and Forecasting course. This capstone experience involves a two-week expedition to the US Great Plains, where students apply their skills to forecast and observe severe weather phenomena under the guidance of expert faculty members.

The institution hosts several specialised centres, including the Kentucky Mesonet and the Kentucky Climate Center. These facilities provide students with access to real-time data and professional networks, enhancing the learning experience through direct engagement with regional climate monitoring and weather analysis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Meteorology
Atmospheric Sciences
Meteorological Instrumentation
Computer Programming
Field Methods in Weather Analysis & Forecasting
Weather Analysis
Weather Forecasting

Careers with Meteorology

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across the public and private sectors. Many find employment as professional meteorologists within the National Weather Service, while others pursue careers in television as certified broadcast meteorologists, providing essential weather information to the public.

The technical skills gained in programming and data analysis also open pathways into environmental consultancy and climate research. Additionally, the strong emphasis on research and theory provides an excellent platform for students intending to enter competitive master's or doctoral programmes in atmospheric science.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Meteorology
Aviation Meteorology
Problem Solving and Programming
Writing in the Geosciences
Fundamentals of GIS
Weather Analysis and Forecasting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Climate Studies & Meteorology View 122 other Bachelors in Climate Studies & Meteorology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Meteorology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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