High School

Space meteorologists have a strong command of math and science. Prepare for this career by taking classes in mathematics, physics, chemistry, geography, and computer science. If your school offers it, take astronomy classes as well. Space meteorologists must also have excellent communication skills for researching, writing, and presenting reports on their findings, especially if they go into broadcasting. Be sure to also take classes in communications, English, writing, and speech.

Postsecondary Training

The minimum requirement for space meteorology work is a bachelor's degree, although some employers require space meteorologists to have a master's or doctoral degree. Areas of focus may be in atmospheric science or space science. Classes covered usually include calculus, geophysics, physics, chemistry, climatology, oceanography, computer science, and other related subjects. Space meteorologists who work in entry-level federal government jobs must have a bachelor's degree with required set of hours in meteorology courses, which includes the analysis and prediction of weather systems. Space meteorologists must also have course work in remote sensing of the atmosphere or instrumentation. Those who work in research and development, and in academic teaching positions, are often required to have a doctoral degree. The military may also send recent college graduates to specialized education programs in meteorology.

Certification or Licensing

The American Meteorological Society offers certification for consulting meteorologists. To receive the Certified Consulting Meteorologist designation, applicants must meet education requirements, pass an exam, have a minimum of five years of experience or a combination of experience coupled with an advanced degree, and provide character references from fellow professionals. The AWS also offers certification for broadcast meteorologists in television and radio as well as certification in meteorology teaching. Find details about these certification programs at https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/education-careers/careers/ams-professional-certification-programs.

Space meteorologists who meet certification requirements may also receive the Weathercaster Seal of Approval designation from the National Weather Association. Find information at https://nwas.org/seal-of-approval.

Many space meteorologists have a master's degree and a doctoral degree, and have several years of prior experience in research science. Many get started through an internship while in college.

Space meteorologists have strong research, analytical, and organizational skills. They are able to clearly communicate complex information in written and oral presentations. They must be able to communicate complex theories and events, orally and in writing. Some space meteorologists share their information with the public through social media sites and television and radio broadcast networks. To do this, they must be able to convey information clearly in ways the general public can understand. Space meteorologists work closely with other meteorologists, scientists, and researchers, so strong collaboration skills are also essential in this field.