Oceanography

Overview

Oceanography prepares people to study the ocean and how it interacts with the atmosphere and land.

Oceanography programs include topics such as:

Ocean chemistry
Oceanographic processes
Tidal movements
Wave properties
Physical oceanography
Chemical oceanography

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in oceanography. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in oceanography. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. A bachelor's degree prepares students for entry-level positions as an oceanographic technician.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in oceanography. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Natural Sciences Managers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced Biology courses
Advanced Calculus courses
Advanced Chemistry courses
Advanced Physics courses
Basic Computer
Calculus
Computer Science and Programming
Earth Science
Environmental Science
General Computer Applications
Geology
Technical Writing

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree in oceanography, geology, engineering, or a related field, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
Statement of research interest and personal goals
Letters of recommendation

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Biology
Calculus
Chemical Oceanography
Chemistry
Differential Equations
Earth Dynamics
Hydromechanics and Wave Theory
Introduction to Oceanography
Marine Biology
Marine Ecology
Marine Geology
Organic Chemistry
Physical Geology
Physical Oceanography
Physics
Probability and Statistics
Quantitative Analysis
Thermodynamics
Weather and Climate

No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Some undergraduate schools offer programs with separate tracks for biological oceanography, physical oceanography, or coastal zone management.