The future of radar meteorology is critically dependent upon the education and training of students in both the technical and scientific aspects of this sub-discipline of meteorology. Not only should meteorology students be knowledgeable in the use of radar for studies of the atmosphere, but should also be comfortable with topics, which may have previously been considered in the realm of engineering. Furthermore, engineering students who choose to work in this exciting field should have enough background in the atmospheric sciences to effectively communicate with the radar system users. Only through such an interdisciplinary approach can true leaps forward in both technology and science be achieved.

Over the past several years, the University of Oklahoma (OU) has invested heavily in the development of a strategic research initiative in radar meteorology. Many new faculty members, with interests in weather radar, have joined the Schools of Meteorology (SoM), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Computer Science (CS), and Civil Engineering and Environmental Science (CEES). Several members of this interdisciplinary cadre of energetic meteorologists and engineers have come together to establish the Atmospheric Radar Research Center (ARRC – arrc.ou.edu), which supports a broad portfolio of research interests, including radar polarimetry, phased array radar, profiling radar, advanced signal processing, retrieval algorithms, clutter mitigation, severe storm observations and detection, quantitative precipitation estimation, and general studies of atmospheric physics. One of the fundamental goals and unique aspects of the ARRC is to provide OU students with a comprehensive, challenging education in the area of radar meteorology, emphasizing both the engineering and meteorological aspects of the field.

The context in which this program has developed will be reported along with the curriculum planning process. A summary of the educational program in weather radar at OU is provided along with more specific information about the courses, which emphasize experimental design, operation, data analysis, and interpretation. An overview of existing and planned educational laboratory/radar facilities available to the students will be presented. Finally, student perspectives, future plans, and conclusions will be given.