Oceanography Degrees

If you’re fascinated by marine life or interested in researching how global climate change is impacting shorelines, a bachelor of science in oceanography may be right for you.

Oceanography is a scientific degree grounded in biology, physics, and geography, and the degree is usually a starting point for further education. Graduates work as marine biologists, oceanographers, and underwater photographers.

What is a Degree in Oceanography?

The ocean is one of the few remaining unexplored areas of Earth, and oceanographers seek to study these massive bodies of water to discover new marine and plant life, look for connections between underwater life and evolution, and seek to understand how environmental changes impact ocean properties.

In an oceanography program, you’ll study the biology of marine life, the geography of oceans from their surfaces to their depths, and the impact of climate change and pollution on oceans.

Oceanography majors may have the opportunity to study the field generally, or they may be required to choose a concentration in the field. Common concentrations include marine biology—the study of the oceanic life forms—or earth sciences, the study of the ocean in the context of its impacts on land and shores.

For the most part, a bachelor’s degree in oceanography is a starting point for a career in the ocean sciences, and many graduates choose to earn graduate degrees to qualify for research-oriented roles.

What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Oceanography?

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Oceanography?

Most funding for research into the oceanic and marine biology sciences comes from government agencies, and as such, demand for researchers in the field is slower than the national average for other careers.

However, there are many ways for graduates to earn an income using the knowledge in their field even if research roles aren’t available. Graduates can usually find work as underwater photographers, oceanography educators, aquarium caretakers, or scuba diving instructors while awaiting openings for research roles.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Oceanography will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Best Jobs for Oceanography Degrees

The advantage of a bachelor’s degree in accounting is its flexibility. While you can work as an accountant, you’ll also qualify for a number of other careers in the business and financial industries.

Individuals with accounting degrees qualify for a number of careers that require mathematical analysis—from individual tax preparers to data analysts who research and report market trends.

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  Glaciologist

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  Climatologist

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  Climatology Professor

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  Conservation Officer

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  Wildlife Conservationist

How to save time and money

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  Archaeology

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  Environmental Science

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  History

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  Interpretation & Translation

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  Cognitive Science

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  Asian Studies