Weather Intelligence And Risk Management
Master of Science in Integrated Scientific Applications
Weather Intelligence and Risk Management (WIRM)
The WIRM specialization is a response to the growth in the private sector of the weather and climate enterprise and the national trends in workforce needs that demand highly skilled scientists and technically-astute professionals with good business sense, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. With a third of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) coming from weather sensitive businesses, as well as a greater emphasis on global markets, it is imperative that professionals be able to understand, articulate, and communicate the role of science in the boardroom. This track prepares individuals for careers in sectors where weather and climate are important factors in the decision tree. The WIRM curriculum is designed to build proficiencies in quantifying uncertainty, analyzing and managing risks, understanding weather derivatives and valuation, balancing economic exigencies, and mining information for the optimization of value within the context of the business enterprise.
Career Opportunities
Listed below are just a few of the job areas that are relevant to the WIRM specialization:
- Energy Trader
- Weather Risk Analyst
- Weather Related Commodity Trader
- Weather Derivatives Valuation
- Weather Insurance Management
Major Sequence and Degree Requirements
36 Credits (face-to-face, online, and hybrid course delivery formats)
Core Courses (24 credit hours)
- Business Operations and Analysis (4)
- Essentials of Accounting and Finance (4)
- Leadership for Scientists and Strategic Management (4)
- Statistical Applications for the Integrative Sciences (3)
- Environmental Economics and Policy (3) (Competency in Microeconomics Required)
- GIS Applications (3)
- Field Experience Practicum (3)
Specialization Courses (12 credit hours, at least 4 courses are required)
Specialization courses include but are not limited to:
- Weather Derivatives and Valuation (3)
- Climate Science Applications (3)
- Emergency Management Planning (3)
- Business Weather and Intelligence with Cross Sector Case Studies (3)
- Environmental Risk Management with Case Studies (3)
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide an official transcript from all institutions of higher education attended showing completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of a 2.75/4.00 cumulative grade point average. Applicants with grade point averages less than 3.00 must also submit an official score from the GRE, GMAT, or MAT test taken within three years of the date of application. An official application form and fee, three professional letters of recommendation, an academic and professional goals statement, and a current resume are also required. Applicants may also be asked to complete a telephone interview with the MSISA program coordinator.
Next Steps
For more information on the MSISA program, please contact the program coordinator:
Dr. Rich Clark
Email: Richard.Clark@millersville.edu
Phone: 717-871-7434