When I went through my physics and calculus based courses for my B.S. degree, I learned a lot about the science of meteorology. Not only in regards to the math and physics, but also in regards to some of the processes involved in meteorology. However, I did not have any course to take when it came down to forecasting. Our school simply did not offer it, yet they offered plenty of classes in theoretical meteorology for our Master's and PhD students. Not only did my school not offer forecasting classes, they did not even offer help in preparing and doing forecasts outside of the classroom.
This is where MSU has it's biggest strength. Not only does this university offer these courses that make it easier to learn how to forecast, but it offers plenty of different courses in meteorology not all relating to forecasting. Also, this school has a storm chase group, consisting of 50+ students. We provide this important information to the NWS' in Jackson, MS as well as Memphis, TN.
In reference to the forecasting and coverage of severe weather, we have plenty of classes to help augment the Severe Weather class offered here.
In all honesty, I'm still not too sure about the off-campus program that is offered here. It seems that we have some really intelligent students that work hard in it, but at the same time we have plenty of students that are in it just because someone down the road (such as N.D., etc) are forcing them to finish this program.
While, once again my views are biased, in any collegiate program any given student gets out of it what they put into it.
Chadwick Franzen
M.S.U. Grad Student
S '98
(2/19/98)