Not to be confused with meteorologists, metrologists specialize in measurement rather than weather forecasting. Whether it is length, width, height, volume or any other unit of measurement, metrologists are tasked with developing and employing precise methods to obtain the exact measurements of objects. Though this highly specialized field is not well-known, many quality training and degree programs are available for those who wish to become metrology specialists.
Undergraduate metrology programs are generally broad, cover aspects of different types of metrology, and aim to provide students with a well-rounded education that can be used to gain an entry-level position in a variety of industries. The University of Oklahoma and Slippery Rock University offer bachelor of science degrees in metrology, as well as pre-professional programs.
Graduate and Professional Degrees
With graduate programs in scientific metrology, applied metrology, legal metrology and industrial metrology, earning a specialized degree can increase your credibility as an expert in the field. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, California State University at Dominguez Hills and Purdue University offer graduate degrees in metrology.
Metrology technician certification programs typically last between six months and two years. Usually career focused, these programs center around applied or industrial metrology. The material covered in metrology certification programs usually includes dimensional metrology, inspection reporting, mechanical part geometry and computer-assisted inspection. Pennsylvania’s Butler County Community College, California's Cerritos College, Michigan's Monroe County Community College and Georgia's Central Georgia Technical College offer certification programs in metrology.
Employers in the automobile, aviation, product manufacturing, aerospace, mathematics and scientific research fields often provide their employees with on-the-job advanced metrology training. Though some employers have in-house training programs, companies can send their metrologists to professional conferences, such as the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference and Measurement Science Conference, to not only network but get training on the latest precision measuring equipment and techniques available. These conferences offer attendees workshops and sneak peeks at new systems and products that they can use to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.
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