Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to apply for the CDM, an individual must hold a degree in meteorology (or equivalent) from an accredited college/university.*

*Some degrees in meteorology may not meet eligibility requirements. Please reference the below list of required coursework to see if your degree program meets the CDM course requirements. Individuals who do not have an equivalent degree in atmospheric science or meteorology must have completed the following degree equivalent coursework:

• Atmospheric Dynamics (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• Atmospheric Thermodynamics (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• Atmospheric Physics or Physical Meteorology (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• Synoptic Meteorology (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• Mesoscale Meteorology (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• Atmos. Meas. & Instrumentation or Remote Sensing (i.e. Satellite/Radar Meteorology) (at least 3 semester hours)
   
• At least 3 semester hours in Applied/Specialty Meteorology such as: advanced dynamics, agricultural meteorology, air pollution meteorology, applied climatology, aviation meteorology, broadcast meteorology, hydrology or hydrometeorology, physical oceanography, tropical meteorology, and weather forecasting
   
• Up to 3 semester hours of a synthesizing experience such as work experience, internship, capstone course or research project
   
• A sequence of calculus (typically 3 courses) that includes:
  • Differential and integral calculus
  • Vector and multivariable calculus
     
• Probability and Applied Statistics
   
• Physics (a calculus based course with a lab covering fundamentals of mechanics and thermodynamics)
   
• An appropriate level of coursework or demonstrated competency in Computer Science in data analysis, modeling, and visualization to allow inferences about the atmosphere; software development; and application of numerical and statistical methods to atmospheric science problems.
   
• An appropriate level of coursework or demonstrated competency in Communication to effectively communicate and interact with scientific, technical, and lay audiences using scientific evidence; discuss and interpret current weather and climate events and forecasts through multiple modalities, including social media; and craft a scientific presentation and write a scientific report.
   
• A course covering Earth’s climate system (such as a course on climate change or Earth system science)

Whenever possible and where appropriate, course requirements should include components that utilize modern computer and instrumentation labs and facilities. Please keep in mind that some schools may require pre-requisite courses prior to enrolling in the above coursework.

Missing a few courses? Browse our Schools and Distance Learning page to find a college/university with a meteorology program near you and a list of distance learning courses.