Overview
Oceanography is a broad discipline that examines all aspects of the ocean environment. Typically, oceanography programs offer courses or concentrations in physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography. Many cutting-edge programs also offer coursework in ocean technology or ocean engineering. Oceanography majors deliver a rigorous science and math curriculum and provide excellent preparation for graduate studies across many scientific disciplines. In this post, we will break down the core oceanography concentrations and discuss what oceanography students can expect from their undergraduate experience. We will also explore career prospects.
Physical oceanography explores the physical properties and processes of the ocean itself. Physical oceanographers study the dynamic (moving and changing) ocean environment on a wide range of space & time (spatial and temporal) scales. This includes collecting data about the temperature, saltiness (salinity), and composition of seawater as well as examining patterns of ocean circulation and motion (tides, waves, currents, etc.). Physical oceanographers also explore how sound (acoustics), light (optics), and electricity travel through the ocean. Physical oceanographers often use cutting-edge tools and technology to gather data about the ocean’s properties and create dynamic computer models to better understand and make predictions about our changing seas.
Chemical Oceanography examines the chemical composition of the ocean (i.e. what is dissolved in the H2O?) as well as chemical reactions and changes in seawater. Chemical oceanographers explore topics like ocean acidification, marine pollution, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Biological Oceanography is the study of the various organisms that live in the ocean including algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, sponges, marine mammals, sea birds, and more. Specifically, biological oceanographers study how these organisms interact with each other and their ocean environment as well as their adaptations for life in the sea. While many biological oceanographers may refer to themselves as marine biologists, others would argue that what sets them apart from marine biologists is a specific interest in how marine organisms interact with and are influenced by the ocean environment itself.
Geological Oceanography is the study of the sea floor including its composition, topography, features, and sediments. This field also studies things like exploring sea vents and underwater volcanoes, predicting undersea earthquakes and using GIS technology to map the sea floor.
Coursework
Basic Math & Sciences
Advanced Courses
Experiential Learning & More
- Biology
- Chemistry (usually a blend of general and chemical and/or biological)
- Physics (usually calculus-based)
- Calculus (often applied)
- Statistics
- Computer Programming
- Marine Biology
- Physical Oceanography
- Ocean Geochemistry
- Marine Geology
- Ocean Technology
- Climate Change & the Ocean
- Ocean Acoustics
- Hydrothermal Vents
- Marine Pollution
- Fluid Mechanics and Waves
- Ocean research cruise
- Ocean research apprenticeship
- Scientific & Technical Writing
Career Prospects
Oceanography majors graduate with a strong background across multiple math and science disciplines. They also often graduate with skills in managing big data and using computer modeling to answer complex questions. These skills make them desirable candidates for research, data, and technology-related positions. Oceanography degrees also prepare students to pursue graduate studies in a wide variety of science disciplines. Common employers of oceanography grads include universities, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), USGS (United States Geological Survey) ocean, arctic and climate-focused non-profits, Google, Apple, and ExxonMobil.
Job titles include:
- Oceanographer
- Marine Geologist
- Ocean Technician
- GIS Specialist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Toxicologist
- Ocean Mapper
- Ocean Educator
- Marine Geophysicist
- Thermodynamics Process Modeling Specialist
