It's time for me to weigh-in on this MSU debate. Perhaps it's because I just finished my second year in MSU's program and spent time on campus this month learning more about the other weathercasters in the program.
Obviously, whether or not we could call ourselves meteorologists was a HUGE topic of discussion at the recent conference.
First of all, let me make an important distinction. Just because I've completed 2 years at MSU doesn't make me a meteorologist. Don't get the idea that all MSU 2-year grads think this! Dr. Binkley, the head of the program, doesn't even condone us calling ourselves that. The first two years make you eligible for a CERTIFICATE from MSU.. not a DEGREE. We all (certificate holders) know that. If some people choose to stop there.. it is their prerogative.
Many students in my class are staying in the program for 3rd or 4th years. It is then, according the AMS, we can call ourselves meteorologists. At that point, if our other college credits transfer, we can even pick up a B.S. in Geosciences..which gives us just the same education as a 4-year meteorology grad. Enough said. The BMP program is one of the most comprehensive distance learning programs in the country. My friends with PhD.'s in education agree.
Why is there a question about who can call themselves a meteorologist? It is answered CLEARLY by the A.M.S. Those who fulfill the A.M.S. requirements (classes are actually outlined!) OR those have 4-year degrees in fields of meteorology are called METEOROLOGISTS. Seems to me.. the A.M.S. "sealed" meteorologists who have a beef with this should turn the microscope on themselves and look at your own organization's policies.
Why not re-certify your seal holders every few years the way the NWA does?
Or your voting body could vote to increase the college level class requirements currently stated in the AMS bylaws?
If one is planning to hold MSU grads accountable for our knowledge and skill, one should hold all people "calling themselves meteorologists" accountable. There are bad doctors, bad lawyers, bad contractors , etc. as well as bad meteorologists, with or without a degree, with or without a seal.
There is a clear benefit of MSU for those of us who already have degrees in broadcasting. We have the chance to hold TWO degrees now-- in communications and geosciences. If you ask me, that more than qualifies us for our highly specialized positions... perhaps, even MORE than some who just has a meteorology degree. After all, it is the communications business first!
Obviously we can continue to split hairs and compare apples and oranges all day.
I've seen some people who've written letters on this subject use the term "get real". Here's "real" for you. Since MSU is turning out so many graduates, news directors will have more choices. We're all savvy enough to recognize the more meteorologists in the marketplace.. the better chance news directors have in finding the perfect combination of talent, meteorological knowledge, wit, ethics and public service... and not have to compromise. I can't speak for you.. but that is what my job is all about.
Thanks for listening.
Rhonda Shelby
"soon to be meteorologist"
KATU-TV - Portland, OR.