Get Started on Your Degree Online Today!

Did you know? One in three of today’s on-air broadcast meteorologists in the U.S. is a graduate of Mississippi State’s nationally recognized meteorology program.

Are you ready to make your mark in the world of weather forecasting? Join the hundreds who have enrolled in the Broadcast and Operational Meteorology Program online at MS State. Our program provides a wide variety of meteorology courses tailored for professionals like you. Whether you're a seasoned broadcast meteorologist seeking specialized training or a passionate weather enthusiast craving deeper knowledge, our program is designed to meet your needs.

What are some potential careers?

Imagine the possibilities! From becoming a sought-after broadcast meteorologist to serving as a trusted private weather consultant, the opportunities are endless. Whether you aspire to inform the public through media, educate future meteorologists, or contribute to critical operations in the military or National Weather Service, this program will empower you to achieve your goals.

Who should pursue this degree?

While our program is tailored for broadcast meteorologists, it welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. Whether you're a journalist, educator, military personnel, National Weather Service employee, private sector meteorologist, or general hobbyist, this degree is your gateway to mastering operational meteorology.

While designed to complement weather training received in the military, military meteorological training is not a requirement for the program. This degree is for you if you’re seeking to further develop skills in operational, applied meteorology.

Program Structure

  • Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in each departmental course (GG/GR course prefix)
  • 124 credit hours are required to earn the Bachelor of Science degree
  • New students must begin the program in the fall semester
  • All courses are offered on the semester system
  • Instructors have advanced degrees and are recognized experts and real-life practitioners in their field
  • Course materials such as exercises, assignments, study guides, exams, and lectures will be delivered via the Internet using Canvas. Canvas is a software program designed specifically for online learning.

The completion of university and program requirements apply to all students in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in Geosciences.


BOMP Requirements

Course Number Course Title Credit Hours
GR 1114 Physical Geography 4
GR 1123 World Geography 3
GR 1604 Weather and Climate 4
GR 4813 Natural Hazards and Processes 3
GR 4643 Physical Climatology 3
GR 4633 Statistical Climatology 3
GR 4713 Synoptic Meteorology 3
GR 4753 Satellite & Radar Meteorology 3
GG 3613 Water Resources 3
GR 4613 Applied Climatology 3
GR 4473 Numerical Weather Prediction 3
GR 4623 Physical Meteorology 3
GR 4913* Thermodynamic Meteorology 3
GR 4923 Severe Weather 3
GR 4443 Weather Prediction I 3
GR 4453 Weather Prediction II 3
GG 3603 Oceanography 3
Total Hours: 53

University Requirements

Computer Literacy - 3 semester hours English Composition - 6 semester hours
Fine Arts - 3 semester hours Foreign Language - 6 semester hours
History - 3 semester hours Jr/Sr Writing Course - 3 semester hours
Literature - 3 semester hours Mathematics - 6 semester hours
Natural Science - 9 semester hours Public Speaking - 3 semester hours
Social Science - 9 semester hours Electives 27 semester hours-Approx

University Curriculum Total Approx. 72 semester hours

AMS, NWS, and/or WMO Requirements

The World Meteorological Organization and the National Weather Service have specific educational requirements for aviation forecasters or meteorologists. Not all weather careers will require the same exact courses, so feel free to discuss your career plans with an advisor before beginning any of our programs.

A degree in meteorology or a related natural science may also be necessary to gain employment in a meteorological career (this will depend on employer). Additional math and science courses will most likely be required for employment. All the BOMP courses can be applied toward our undergraduate degree program in Geosciences, which is considered a related natural science field. Our full BS and MS degree programs (e.g. BOMP or AMP) can be modified or tailored to meet these requirements.

Full Requirements

*Students seeking AMS, NWS, and/or WMO requirements should make the following adjustments to their program of study to include calculus-based courses:

  • Take GR 4733 Synoptic Meteorology instead of GR 4713 Synoptic Meteorology I
  • Take GR 4823 Dynamic Meteorology instead of GR 4913 Thermodynamic Meteorology
  • Take GR 4963 Mesoscale Meteorology instead of GR 4923 Severe Weather

Additional courses are required to meet AMS, NWS, and/or WMO requirements:

  • Dynamic Meteorology II
  • Calculus I-III
  • Differential Equations
  • 2-Calculus based Physics w/labs
  • A Chemistry appropriate for science majors

Of these additional courses, MSU only offers Dynamics II online. Contact the advisor with any questions you may have.

Full Requirements Flowchart


Additional courses may be required for those pursuing the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

* Students seeking to work for the NWS or seeking the CBM should contact an advisor for program adjustments.


ANY SEMESTER/ANY YEAR

GR 4640-Meteorological Internship is not required for the degree or certificate. For more information read our Internship Guidelines.

Admissions Process

Follow the guide below to ensure that you complete all that is necessary for taking courses in the Broadcast and Operational Meteorology Program (BOMP) at Mississippi State University.

  1. Fill out the online Application for Admission, and pay an application fee online or by mail.**Please choose Online Education as your campus and Geoscience/Broadcast & Operational Met (BS) as your choice of major.
  2. Request official transcripts from EVERY university or school you have previously attended. Your application will not be considered until ALL transcripts are received. Transcripts can be mailed to the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, P O Box 6334, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or electronically submitted (eScripted) to admit@msstate.edu.
  3. If you have attended college; please submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from each school attended.
    • ACT or SAT scores may possibly be required; NOT required if you have already earned a bachelor's degree.
    • High school transcript; may possibly be required.
  4. If you have never attended college; please submit the following:
    • High school transcript showing graduation date.
    • ACT or SAT scores.
    • NOTE: We recommend that you submit your online application and all necessary documentation (transcripts, application fee, etc.) prior to July 1.
  5. You will receive an email of acceptance when you are officially admitted to Mississippi State University.
  6. Every new student must register for Online@State Orientation. Students must complete orientation to obtain a release to register from your advisor which will allow you to register for classes.
  7. Textbooks are available 2 to 3 weeks prior to the start of classes, and can be ordered through Barnes & Noble At MSU.
  8. You will be able to access Canvas on the first day of the semester. To access your courses, enter your NetID and NetPassword and click the classroom tab.

NOTE: If you have never attended college, you must apply as a freshman. If you have attended any other college, you must apply as a transfer student.

Admissions Options

Freshman Students

To be accepted into the freshman class at MSU, students must satisfactorily complete the course requirements as outlined by the Office of Admissions and Scholarships as stated below:

To be accepted into the freshmen class at Mississippi State University, students must satisfactorily complete the following College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) with an appropriate core grade-point average:

  • English - 4 units, all requiring substantial communication skills components.
  • Mathematics - 3 units: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. (Algebra I taken in the 8th grade will be accepted for admission provided the course content is the same as the high school course.)
  • Natural Science - 3 units chosen from Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics, Advanced Physics, or another science course of comparable rigor. (Two science units must be laboratory-based.)
  • Social Studies - 3 units, including U.S. History, World History (substantial Geography component), Government (½ unit), and Economics (½ unit) or Geography (½ unit).
  • Advanced Electives - 2 units chosen from Foreign Language, World Geography, 4th-year laboratory-based Science, and 4th-year Mathematics. One of the units must be Foreign Language or World Geography. (Foreign Language taken in the 8th grade will be accepted for admission provided the course content is the same as the high school course.)
  • Computer - ½ unit: computer as a productivity tool, not as a keyboarding device.
  • Pre-High School Units - Algebra I, or first year Foreign Language, or Mississippi Studies taken prior to high school will be accepted for admission provided the course content is the same as the high school course.

Courses

Fall Year 1

GR 1113 Physical Geography
Three hours lecture. Systematic study of the elements of the environmental process that form and characterize the earth's natural landscapes.

GR 1111 Physical Geography Laboratory
(May be scheduled without GR 1113). Laboratory exploring the study of the different components of the earth system and their interactions, as well as their locations on Earth

 

GR 1123 Intro World Geography
Three hours lecture. A survey of the world's regions, with emphasis upon locational aspects, physical and cultural diversity, and environmental issues.


Spring Year 1

GR 1133 Weather and Climate
Three hours lecture. Descriptive study of weather with the objective of gaining appreciation of the variety of atmospheric phenomena. Explanation of daily weather events, their causes and impacts

GR 1131 Weather and Climate Laboratory for GR 1133
(May be scheduled without GR 1133). Includes the study of atmospheric composition and structure, atmospheric motion and forces, atmospheric moisture, organized weather systems, weather forecasting, and global climate

GR 4813 Natural Hazards
(Prerequisites: GR 1113 or equivalent) Three hours lecture. A survey of natural phenomena in geology, oceanography and astronomy as applied to meteorology. Detailed study of earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean movements, and solar activity.


Summer Year 1

GR 4643 Physical Climatology
(Prerequisite: GR 1133) Three hours lecture. An investigation of the physical aspects of Earth's climate, including interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and land surface, and how they are affected by climate variability and change.


Fall Year 2

GR 4633 Statistical Climatology
(Prerequisites: GR 1133 or GG 1113 or equivalent and MA 1313 or MA 1713) Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. A survey of the types of statistical weather data available. Manipulation of the data on various temporal and spatial scales.

GR 4713 Synoptic Meteorology I*
(Prerequisites: GR 1133 or equivalent) Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Fundamental principles behind weather forecasting. Physical processes in the atmosphere, atmospheric circulation systems, air mass analysis, frontogenesis and frontolysis.


Spring Year 2

GG 3613 Water Resources
(Prerequisite: GG 1113 or equivalent or consent of instructor) Three hours lecture. Introduction to the location, use, recovery and environmental problems of surface and subsurface waters.

GR 4753 Satellite & Radar Meteorology
(Prerequisites: GR 1133) Three hours lecture. Study of the history, the operations, and the applications of satellites and radar in weather analysis. Theory of meteorological measurements in determinations of atmospheric structure.


Summer Year 2

GR 4473 Numerical Weather Prediction
(Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor) This course provides students with an overview of the theory, processes, developments and applications of existing numerical weather prediction platforms.

GR 4613 Applied Climatology
(Prerequisites: GR 1133 or equivalent) Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Problem solving in today's world in topics such as bioclimatology, agricultural climatology and land use climatology.


Fall Year 3

GR 4623 Physical Meteorology
(Prerequisite: GR 1133) An investigation of cloud physics/precipitation processes and solar/terrestrial radiation, including atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric electricity, optics, and instrumentation.

GR 4913 Thermodynamic Meteorology*
(Prerequisite: GR 4723/6723 or equivalent) Three hours lecture. Examination of the meteorological stability within the earth's atmosphere. Focus on analysis of the various stability indices related to predicting severe weather.


Spring Year 3

GR 4443 Weather Prediction I
(Prerequisite: GR 1133 or consent of instructor) Three hours video and online. Examination of the complexity of weather forecasting. Emphasis on numerical weather prediction, computer models, and mesoscale analysis.

GR 4923 Severe Weather*
(Prerequisites: GR 4913/6913 or equivalent) Three hours lecture. Descriptive study of severe and unusual weather across the earth. Explanation of variations in severe weather in both spatial and temporal scales.


Summer Year 3

GG 3603 Intro to Oceanography
(Prerequisite: GG 1113) Three hours lecture. A survey of the basic principles and applications of science to the study of the marine environment.

GR 4453 Weather Prediction II
(Prerequisite: GR 4443 or consent of instructor) Three hours video and online. Continuation of GR 4443. Case studies of weather forecasts. Emphasis on special weather events and places.


*Students seeking AMS, NWS, and/or WMO requirements should make the following adjustments to their program of study to include calculus-based courses:

  • Take GR 4733 Synoptic Meteorology instead of GR 4713 Synoptic Meteorology I
  • Take GR 4823 Dynamic Meteorology instead of GR 4913 Thermodynamic Meteorology
  • Take GR 4963 Mesoscale Meteorology instead of GR 4923 Severe Weather

Additional courses are required to meet AMS, NWS, and/or WMO requirements:

  • Dynamic Meteorology II
  • Calculus I-III
  • Differential Equations
  • 2-Calculus based Physics w/labs
  • A Chemistry appropriate for science majors

Of these additional courses, MSU only offers Dynamics II online. Contact the advisor with any questions you may have.

See More

Academic Advising

Students should contact Yasma Jacobs, Academic Advisor, about advising or if you have not been released to register by the time registration begins. All returning students will be sent an email to their MsState email account during the advising periods with course schedule recommendations and a release to register.

Yasma Jacbos Headshot

Yasma Jacobs

Geosciences

  • Academic Advisor

Important Degree Reminders

  • In order to complete a baccalaureate degree, a student must satisfactorily complete all curriculum requirements with an overall "C" average or better. This applies to both transfer and MSU courses
  • The B.S. degree in Geosciences can be awarded on the completion of no fewer than 124 semester hours
  • The university will accept no more than 62 semester hours from a two-year institution (Community College) toward degree requirements. The remaining 62 hours needed for the degree must come from a four-year college
  • All students must meet the 32-hour MSU residency requirement. This 32 hour upper division residency requirement will be met upon completion of the BOMP curriculum
  • Basic English, Math, and Intermediate Algebra courses do not satisfy any graduation requirement. They do not fulfill any of the English or Math graduation requirements, nor can they be counted as electives
  • We do accept some National CLEP and Advanced Placement courses to fulfill degree requirements. Official test scores must be evaluated by MSU's Registrar's Office before credit can be awarded
  • No more than 25% (31 semester hours) of a student's degree can be earned through Advanced Placement, CLEP, or Correspondence courses (Independent Study). In addition, no more than 20% (25 semester hours) can be earned through correspondence courses (Independent Study) and no more than 15 semester hours can be earned through Advanced Placement examinations
  • We will accept a maximum of 2, one-hour Physical Education (PE) courses toward degree requirements
  • We do not accept graduate course work toward undergraduate degree requirements
  • We do not accept life experience in lieu of degree requirements
  • For questions concerning degree requirements please contact the Academic Advisor, Yasma Jacobs, at yjacobs@geosci.msstate.edu

Request Evaluation

Any current BOMP student interested in earning a B.S. Degree or certificate through MSU Geosciences Distance Education Department can request an official evaluation by completing and submitting an Evaluation Form.

By completing the Evaluation Form you are requesting to have your file be evaluated for the B.S. degree in Geosciences from MSU. Please know that it is your responsibility to provide MSU with all college/university transcripts in addition to any CCAF (military), or CLEP examination scores before an evaluation can be completed.

*Evaluations will not be completed until all transcripts have been provided


Contact Information

Photo of Joy Bailey

Joy Bailey

Online Education

  • Coordinator
Yasma Jacbos Headshot

Yasma Jacobs

Department of Geosciences

  • Academic Advisor
Headshot of Christa Haney

Dr. Christa Haney

Department of Geosciences

  • Director of Geosciences Distance Learning Programs