Co-operative Education, Internships, and Independent Study in Meteorology
Co-Op Education and student internships are opportunities that enable students to experience meteorology-related jobs while simultaneously pursuing their degrees. They provide a unique opportunity to apply classroom concepts, make career decisions, gain work experience, obtain graduate school recommendations, and, in some cases, earn money.
Student positions can be obtained with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, local television stations, consulting firms, and other meteorology businesses. Positions are usually temporary and/or part-time. Some positions are paid.
To be eligible a student must have completed 30 semester hours of college credit, have at least a 2.5 GPA in Meteorology courses and overall, and have declared a major in Meteorology. No additional fees, other than regular college tuition, are charged. Students work closely with a Meteorology faculty member as their advisor.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A CO-OP ED or INTERNSHIP POSITION:
RESTRICTIONS ON ACADEMIC CREDIT
No more than 15 hours of Co-op Ed or internship credit may apply toward degree. No more than three credits, earned by grade only, may apply toward meteorology electives. Co-op Ed or internship credits are not applicable to General Studies requirements.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS DURING CO-OP ED and INTERNSHIPS
Whether enrolled for credit or not, a student must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA for the semester while in a Co-op Ed or internship position. If the semester GPA falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on department probation. If two consecutive semesters are lower than 3.0, the student will forfeit the position. The student may re-apply once a 3.0 GPA is earned in a semester.