Oceanography - the study of the marine environment and its interactions with the earth, the biosphere, and the atmosphere - is prompted both by the intellectual desire to understand how the oceans move and how life develops in a salty, cold environment, and the need to use wisely the ocean's resources for the benefit of humanity. Oceanography integrates the basic principles of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics into scientific research in the marine environment. Applications of high technology to oceanographic instrumentation and vessels, increasingly sophisticated computers, satellite remote sensing, and innovative methodologies are rapidly opening new possibilities for exploration and study. At the undergraduate level, Oceanography is presented as an integrated interdisciplinary science that prepares students for a broad range of careers. At the graduate level, Oceanography is specialized into four areas of emphasis: Biological, Chemical, Geology and Geophysics, and Physical.
The undergraduate program in Oceanography provides students with an interdisciplinary science background that prepares them for a broad range of careers. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or a Minor in Oceanography. Oceanography partners with other departments to support interdisciplinary minors in Marine Biology, Climate and Arctic Studies.
Suggested Pre-College Courses: Interest in natural sciences and a good record in high school science courses, particularly mathematics. One year each of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences recommended.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: MATH 124; CHEM 120 or CHEM 142 and CHEM 152; BIOL 180, BIOL 200; ESS 210 or ESS 211; PHYS 121; either OCEAN 215 or CSE 160; OCEAN 200, OCEAN 201, OCEAN 210, OCEAN 220, OCEAN 285, OCEAN 286, and OCEAN 295; and English composition.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
The Oceanography Bachelor of Arts degree provides a solid background in the basic principles of Oceanography using the same foundational core as the Bachelor of Science degree. The B. A. diverges from the B. S. during the senior year, with additional flexibility that allows students to tailor their course of study to their individual interest in other areas of the sciences or humanities.
General Education Requirements
All majors must satisfy the College of the Environment general education requirements. University-required additional writing credits may include OCEAN 220, OCEAN 443, and OCEAN 445.
Minimum 104 credits
The School of Oceanography offers a unique undergraduate major program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography that emphasizes a solid basic science training and interdisciplinary approach, and provides ample opportunities for field and research experience. The course of study integrates a foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and geology into science of the marine environment. Students conduct independent research in areas such as biological, chemical, physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, or ocean technology.
General Education Requirements
All majors must satisfy the College of the Environment general education requirements. University-required additional writing credits may include OCEAN 220, OCEAN 443, and OCEAN 445.
Minimum 116 credits
Students with introductory science and mathematics courses equivalent to those listed are encouraged to contact the Oceanography adviser.
The undergraduate program in Oceanography provides students with an interdisciplinary science background that prepares them for a broad range of careers. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or a Minor in Oceanography. Oceanography partners with other departments to support interdisciplinary minors in Marine Biology, Climate and Arctic Studies.
The Oceanography minor is designed for students pursuing science degrees to tailor their studies to the marine environment. The minor could also serve as a background for a career in teaching, administration, marine affairs, environmental studies, production, inspection, ocean engineering, instrumentation development, and statistical analysis.
26 credits
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
The program prepares students to enter the profession directly or to pursue graduate studies. Oceanographers seek to produce a new understanding of an ocean system and to explore the potential consequences to the marine environment of human activities. They collect samples and data, analyze and interpret them, and prepare and disseminate the results. They work at sea, on land, in laboratories, and with computers. Most are employed in education and research institutions and federal, state and local government agencies. Other employers include environmental consulting firms and private companies extracting and harvesting marine products. A degree can also serve as a background for a career in teaching, administration, marine affairs, computing, or environmental studies.
Contact department for requirements.
Contact department for requirements.
Contact department for requirements.
Contact department for requirements.
Contact department for requirements.
Contact department for requirements.