The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Oceanography curriculum provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the oceans and the processes affecting them for use in careers in marine science or other related fields, provides students with the skills to retrieve, evaluate and analyze large oceanographic datasets such as those generated from long-term oceanographic studies and observing systems and emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The BS in Oceanography has four themes: Ocean Observing Science and Technology (OOST), Ocean Climate (OC), Marine Ecosystems Processes (MEP) and Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry (MCG). All four themes share common requirements but allow for specialization depending on a student's interest. The OOST theme provides more emphasis on statistics and ocean observing systems; all students will gain skill in handling, evaluating and analyzing large datasets. The OC theme provides more emphasis on advanced math skills that can be applied to understanding ocean climate interactions; all students will gain skill in handling, evaluating and analyzing large datasets. The MEP theme provides more emphasis on biological and ecological processes; all students will gain skill in understanding and applying a biological framework to understanding the ocean. The MCG theme provides more emphasis on marine chemistry and geochemistry; all students will gain skill in understanding and applying a chemical and geochemical framework to understanding the ocean.

Many graduates will obtain jobs in a variety of fields including marine technical support, energy and transportation industries, insurance industries, hazard mitigation, marine operations, homeland security, oil spill response, etc. Students planning to attend graduate school are also encouraged to complete a minor in a STEM field.  

For additional information, please visit the Oceanography website.

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CHEM 107 and CHEM 117 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 119.

²

Must make a grade of C or better.

³

PHYS 216/ENGR 216 will be accepted in lieu of PHYS 226.

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PHYS 217/ENGR 217 will be accepted in lieu of PHYS 227.

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Select one of the following themes: Marine Ecological Processes, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry, Ocean Climate, Ocean Observing Science and Technology.

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If Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry theme is chosen, this will be 4 credits instead of 3 credits.

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Select from ATMO 300-499; BICH 300-499; BIOL 213, BIOL 214, BIOL 300-499; CHEM 300-499 ; CVEN 221; ENSS 400-499; GENE 300-499; GEOG 361, GEOG 370/MARS 370, GEOG 390; GEOL 442/GEOG 442; MATH 251, MATH 300-499; OCEN 300-499; OCNG 300-499; PHYS 221, PHYS 300-499; STAT 212, STAT 400-499.

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If Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry theme is chosen, this will be 1 credit instead of 3 credits.