A new program is enabling U.S. military personnel to earn a degree from Mississippi State University no matter where they are stationed.
The Operational Meteorology Program--the only one of its kind in the country--offers active personnel in all branches of the service applied meteorology courses that lead to a bachelor of science degree in geoscience. Unlike other off-campus courses, this one doesn't involve traditional correspondence sequences.
A limited enrollment of 20 inaugurated the program during the fall semester. Open enrollment, which began with the spring term, has some 40 service men and women taking courses.
OMP follows the similar--and popular--Broadcast Meteorology Program that was started by the department in 1987. At present, more than 300 students are enrolled in broadcast meteorology.
Mark Binkley, who directs both programs, said MSU was approached last year by representatives of the Navy who were seeking this type of educational program. While the armed forces offer many of their own meteorology courses, they often are scheduled sporadically, he explained.
"The military needs more advanced courses such as those we offer," he said. "Plus, they want their students to earn a college degree."
OMP students "attend" class by watching videotaped lectures. When questions arise, they may easily contact the department by telephone, fax or electronic mail.
Binkley said he expects the new program to have about 100 students by the fall semester.
