Snow Science Major

**powpowpowderwheels** · 10-21-2003, 07:02 PM

I was thinking of going Mechanical Engineering, but saw the 'snow science option' for the enviro science majors (montana state- bozeman)

Does anyone have one of these degrees or know anyone who does?

Are there job opportunities?

any info at all would be well appreciated, trying to build some knowledge.

**Viva** · 10-21-2003, 07:10 PM

A Google search might prove instructive.

**funkendrenchman** · 10-21-2003, 07:12 PM

I do know Montana State is the best place in the country to study snow science. Not sure of the job opportunities, but I'm sure they are there.

**Mountainman** · 10-21-2003, 07:29 PM

Snow Science is my major here in bozone. Your best bet would be to email or try and call one of the faculty that help teach part of it like steve custer or bill locke.

**slim** · 10-21-2003, 07:44 PM

The snow science program at MSU is a graduate program which generally requires an undergrad degree in civil engineering or mechanical engineering

Job prospects taking advantage of that specialty aren't exactly plentiful. You'd have more luck (career-wise) sticking to traditional civil or environmental engineering... you'd get to spend just as much time outside... you just won't be bombing avalanches. If you do want to go the snow science route, I'd recommend contacting the department at MSU and talk with some of the professors about what type of jobs the recent graduates have gotten. The avalanche professor there is Ed Adams.

Good luck... seems like a neat program. I looked into it after I graduated but decided to go the more traditional civil/environmental route. Now I'm cleaning up hazardous waste in California... maybe I should've gone with the avalanches...

EDIT- Didn't fully read your post... I'm talking about the Avalanche Engineering stuff as opposed to the environmental science. Listen to mountainman... he's probably a better resource seeing as he goes there.

**Mountainman** · 10-21-2003, 07:59 PM

it's not just a masters program now. there is a b.a. in it. there are two roads you go. biology or snow mechanics. both are basically the same except for a small group of differncent courses. jobs are not that plentiful. you almost have to go into the masters program or get a phd. and don't think you'll be taking a ton of snow courses. most are geolgoy, geography, writing and geology. you take 1 course on snow dynamics your senior year

as with me, i'm diong this program, but i also have other options in mind to 'get me by' after school in case i don't get a job quick

**joshbu** · 10-21-2003, 09:33 PM

I would imagine that you would work for one of the avalanche centers across the country. Either producing the recreational avalanche statement or for the DOT bombing to do avy control around highways.

I'm not sure how plentiful those jobs are.