Do you need a degree in meteorology to work at NCAR or UCAR?

We have staff with all kinds of backgrounds and expertise. Many have degrees in meteorology, climate science, atmospheric chemistry, and related Earth science fields. See the other topics on this page to learn more about careers in scientific research.

But we also have people with many other kinds of skills working with us. Our staff have training in scientific computing, hardware and software engineering, project management, systems administration, web development, office and business services, and a variety of other fields. To learn more about nonscientific job opportunities, see:

• Employment at UCAR

How do I find out more about careers in atmospheric and Earth science?

• Explore Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences: A channel for prospective students
• Check out What is Meteorology? (American Meteorological Society Career Center)
  
  

How can I find out what it's like being a scientist?

• See what atmospheric scientists have to say about their work (Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences)
• Profiles in Science (NCAR & UCAR)
• The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers (PBS/NOVA)
• Science Lives (National Science Foundation & LiveScience)
  
  

What are the employment prospects for people with a degree in atmospheric or Earth-system science?

• Check out What types of job opportunities might there be? and the career-related links (Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences)
  
  

What kinds of high school courses should I take if I'm interested in this field?

• See How do I prepare for an undergraduate program? (Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences)
  
  

What about preparation for graduate school?

• Check out How do I prepare for a graduate program? (Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences)
  
  

How do I find universities offering programs in atmospheric and Earth-system science?

• See Schools in the Atmospheric, Oceanic, Hydrologic, and Related Sciences - The UCAR-AMS Guide

How do I find financial aid for undergraduate or graduate study?

Programs of all types:

• See Scholarship Information (Discovering the Atmospheric Sciences)
  
  

Programs emphasizing underrepresented groups:

• SOARS–Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science
• NOAA Educational Partnership Program
• AMS/Industry Minority Scholarships
• Also see the websites of the minority-serving colleges and universities and professional societies.
  
  

How do I find postdoctoral fellowships?

• Postdoctoral Fellowships at NCAR & UCAR
• Postdoctoral Fellowships in the UCAR Community