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Analyze, model, and predict the state of the atmosphere

Given the impacts of climate change, we provide students with in-depth knowledge of the atmosphere, to prepare them for careers in atmospheric science like fire weather, climate risk, and AI modeling. Our advantage is our classroom sizes are small, and students get hands-on learning. Students are often paid to do cutting-edge research on wildfire and climate science, weather, and forecasting. Our department’s collaborations include NASA, NBC, Cal Fire, and National Science Laboratories. Our professors ensure a diverse learning environment that significantly impacts our students’ careers.

Meteorology and Climate Science Overview

Watch what our department has to offer and how you can enroll in our program.

Students on Roof

Students

Are you a current student or interested in our program? Check out our student spotlights and scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

Courses For MetCS

MetCS Courses

Explore our academic programs and course catalogs to see what options you have in Meteorology and Climate Science. 

Weather center

Weather Center

Explore our radars, rooftop webcam, meteograms, and more in our weather center.

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Median Pay

The average salary for an atmospheric scientist in California is around $115,020 per year. Wages typically start from $72,340 and go up to $199,450.

Job Outlook

Employment of meteorologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Examples of areas in which meteorologists work include private forecasting companies, National Weather Service, universities, energy companies, government labs and in media.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

Meteorologists work in a variety of settings; including offices, laboratories, and universities. Occassionally, they work in the field where they install, monitor and calibrate meteorological instruments. Some meteorologists work extended hours, particulary during weather emergencies.

Many, if not most, meteorologists work with computer code of some sort to perform data analysis and interpretation.

Career and Internship opportunities in Meteorology and Climate Science at SJSU

Three growth areas across California: 1) Fire Weather Research. 2) Climate, Energy, and Risk. 3) Modeling and Artificial Intelligence. Watch this video for information on internships, career opportunities, and how our department looks at additional students to fill positions in these fields.

Photo of student who graduated and working with weather center

Student Spotlight

Congratulations to Kiera Malarkey, Graduate Research Assistant at San José State University Wildlife Interdisciplinary Research Center!

Student Spotlight

MetCS Door Sign

Our location

The Department of Meteorology and Climate Science is located throughout the top three floors of Duncan Hall on the SJSU main campus. Our office is on the 6th floor, room 620. Please contact us at meteorology@sjsu.edu or by phone at (408) 924-5200 if you have questions or need any assistance.

Email the Meteorology Department

Departmental DEI Statement

Read the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement Here