what course of study is needed to be an oceanographer

What degree do you need to be an oceanographer?

There are a few schools that offer undergraduate Bachelor's degrees in marine biology, however, most oceanographers further their study before seeking work. Usually, there are internships and assistant-level positions available for those with only undergraduate degrees.

What classes should I take in middle or high school for Oceanography?

Oceanographers study the Earth's oceans and seas, their contents and surrounding environments. If I want to study or have a career in oceanography, what classes should I take in middle or high school? Take as many Earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science courses as you can.

What can you do with a maritime degree in oceanography?

Alternatively, you can pursue a career as an oceanographer and study a variety of topics connected to marine life. You can study a variety of facets of marine life with a maritime degree in oceanography, from marine ecology to marine flora and fauna. Who is an oceanographer?

What do limnologists and oceanographers study?

Limnologists and oceanographers, marine biologists and marine geologists study various aspects of the oceans. Physical oceanographers specialize in the study of oceans and the physical aspects of their circulation. This includes everything from the study of worldwide currents to the effect of local tides on the shoreline.

What courses do you need to be oceanographer?

Most oceanography careers require at least a bachelor's degree....However, many students prepare for a career in oceanography by studying a related field, such as any of the following:Biology or wildlife biology.Physics.Ecology.Geology.Fisheries.Chemistry.Biochemistry.Environmental science.More items...•

What do you study in oceanography?

An oceanographer studies the ocean. Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the seafloor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean.

What subject is oceanography under?

Oceanography applies chemistry, geology, meteorology, biology, and other branches of science to the study of the ocean.

How long does it take to become a oceanographer?

The education of a physical oceanographer can take six to 10 years, but it opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Investigation of the world's ocean currents and waterways has far-reaching implications for commercial shipping, fisheries and naval activities.

Is oceanography a major?

Program of Study: Major: Oceanography 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.

What are the 4 types of oceanography?

Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science where math, physics, chemistry, biology and geology intersect. Traditionally, we discuss oceanography in terms of four separate but related branches: physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, biological oceanography and geological oceanography.

How do you become an oceanographer after 12?

Courses & EligibilityMaster of Science (M.Sc) in Oceanography.Master of Science in Marine Biology.M. Tech in Ocean Engineering.M. Tech in Ocean Technology.

Is oceanography a hard course?

It was an intro level course, and I personally found it very easy and educational. I'm an engineer and doing a discipline change into Ocean Engineering, so I do have alot of Math/physic's background, but in all honesty that was a super easy course and I know non-science students who took it and learned alot.

Does oceanography pay well?

Oceanographer Salary The BLS indicates that geoscientists, including oceanographers, earn a median annual salary of $92,040 as of May 2019. Those in the bottom 10 percent, such as lab technicians, earn less than $51,000, and more experienced oceanographers in the top 10 percent earn upwards of $187,910.

Do oceanographers travel?

An oceanographer can find work all over the planet, either with large governments or academic institutions or for a corporation. Even if oceanographers are based in one country, they may travel to new locales for various job duties.

What Does An Oceanographer do?

An oceanographer is a special kind of scientist who studies the ocean. The oceans are a large environment, and so the science of oceanography must...

Where Does An Oceanographer Work?

The oceans cover nearly 70% of the Earth, comprising the majority of the planet's biosphere. Fieldwork is critical to an oceanographer's line of wo...

What Is The Average Salary For An Oceanographer?

The median pay for geoscientists such as oceanographers was $90,890 per year. The pay for geoscientists varies according to the industry of employm...

Oceanography Jobs & Job Description

1. Design observational programs including measurement, preparation and mobilization as well as the collection of field observations 2. Measure cur...

What Is The Job Demand For Oceanographers?

The job market for geoscientists, or any scientist that studies the earth, is expected to grow by 16% between 2012 and 2022. This is faster than th...

What Are Some Oceanography Degree Requirements?

Oceanographers usually receive a background education in biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but they generally go on to focus their research...

What Kind of Societies Or Professional Organizations Do Oceanographers have?

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) a United States government organization tasked with studying the atmosphere, ocean, a...

How to become an oceanographer?

Take as many Earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science courses as you can. English is also important since scientists need to write clearly and communicate their findings to others on a regular basis. You might also find it helpful to take a course in public speaking. Find out what after-school organizations your school has that can help you with a career as an oceanographer, such as Science Clubs. Also consider doing an oceans-focused project for your local science fair and look for summer field experiences at near-by colleges and universities.

What do oceanographers do?

Private firms hire oceanographers to search for valuable sea-floor deposits, investigate areas for sea farming, and evaluate natural energy production from waves, currents, and tides. Oceanographers in academic institutions usually work in colleges, universities, and museums.

What are the jobs in oceanography?

Jobs in oceanography are found in government agencies, private firms, and nonprofit and academic institutions. Government agencies, among which the largest employer is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hire oceanographers for research and development.

What is the study of the chemical composition and properties of seawater?

chemical oceanography, the study of the chemical composition and properties of seawater, chemical extraction of certain chemicals from seawater, and effects of pollutants on seawater; physical oceanography, the study of waves, tides, currents, transmission of light and sound in the ocean, and ocean-atmosphere relationships; and.

What are the four oceanographic fields?

The four oceanographic fields are: geological oceanography, the study of the structure, creation, evolution, and history of the sea floor;

What do you study as an oceanographer?

Studies the sea floor , such as volcanoes, undersea vents, and trenches. As an oceanographer, you'll have to be comfortable doing field research. This might mean sailing on a ship for long periods of time and living in cramped quarters, such as in submersibles or galleys.

What degree do you need to become an oceanographer?

Most oceanography careers require at least a bachelor's degree . This level of education allows you to apply for many technician positions. However, your odds of success — along with your job title, responsibilities, and pay — tend to go up if you have a graduate-level degree.

What are the responsibilities of an oceanographer?

Oceanographers work on specific research projects and are often employed by universities, federal research agencies, or private consulting firms. No matter your oceanography career focus, you'll need to do the following: Be interested in math and science.

What do oceanographers study?

That's something that oceanographers — scientists who study the ocean — are tasked with changing. As an oceanographer, you'll focus on a specific area , such as marine biology, meteorology, or geology.

What colleges offer oceanography?

Some colleges and universities do offer a degree in oceanography, such as Hawai'i Pacific University and the Florida Institute of Technology. However, many students prepare for a career in oceanography by studying a related field, such as any of the following:

What do you do with an advanced degree?

If you have an advanced degree, you might be expected to work more independently on your own project, as compared to someone with only an undergraduate degree.

What do you do in a lab?

You'll likely spend much of your time in an office with a computer or in a lab conducting tests. Daily tasks may include reading scientific journal articles, applying for grants, and documenting your findings. You'll also have to network with other researchers and present your work at meetings and conferences.

What is an oceanographer?

An oceanographer is a scientist who studies seas and oceans. As an oceanographer, you may work in fields like conservation or the oil industry. Oceanographers typically work in one of four main areas of oceanography:

What does an oceanographer do?

An oceanographer studies water, sea life, weather conditions and ocean climates to preserve both oceans and coastal waters. Their work helps other professionals in the workforce predict weather patterns, provide wildlife care and detect plate tectonic shifting. Here are the common duties of an oceanographer:

How to become an oceanographer

As an oceanographer, it's important to have a strong foundation of relevant knowledge to help you succeed. It's also important to feel comfortable working in the ocean for an extended period. Use these steps to become an oceanographer:

Salary and job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a salary of $93,580 per year for geoscientists, a profession that includes the role of an oceanographer. Your salary as an oceanographer may depend on your expertise, employer, geographic location and specific title or industry.

Frequently asked questions about oceanographers

Use these common questions to help you learn more about oceanographers:

What is Oceanography?

Oceanography is the study of the chemical, physical and biological properties of the oceans. It also includes its current conditions, ancient history and its future. There are 4 different branches of Oceanography:

Value of an Oceanography Career

Climate change and overpopulation pose serious challenges to the natural world. Oceans are becoming more acidic and weather conditions are worsening in unpredictable ways. These effects are detrimental to biological life, especially in the oceans.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Oceanographer

An oceanographer is a scientist who applies disciplinary Science of Mathematics, Engineering, and Scientific Theories to study the relationships between freshwater, seawater, the biosphere, the atmosphere, and the polar caps.

Skills Required

Here are the top skills that must be present in an aspirant if he or she wishes to become an oceanographer:

How to Become an Oceanographer? (Step-Wise Guide)

If you are also interested in exploring all about oceans and marine life and love the environment, then becoming an oceanographer might be the perfect career choice for you. Here we have collated a step-by-step guide on how to become an oceanographer.

Top Courses

The field of oceanography is the best career option for anyone interested in exploring the ocean and its surroundings. Enlisted are the top courses students can pursue to become an oceanographer:

Top 10 Universities for Oceanographers

There is a wide range of universities/colleges offering oceanography courses around the globe. Here we have formulated a list of universities that offers oceanography courses to the aspirants:

Choose the university..

Start with a Bachelor’s degree (bac+3) in science (either material sciences, mathematics and physics to do physical oceanography, or natural and life sciences to do biological oceanography).

Management of environmental sciences or transversal professions

Documentary filmmaker, librarian, journalist… many jobs can be grafted onto the specific jobs in the world of the sea. Research organizations and other institutions are recruiting HRDs, communications managers, graphic designers, IT specialists, etc.

How to become an oceanographer?

Although it's possible to work in oceanography with a bachelor's degree, responsible and well-paid positions typically require a graduate degree . Oceanographers with master's degrees can work in most government and private-sector settings, as well as for non-governmental associations. Creating and administering research projects, or academic positions with universities and major research facilities, typically requires a doctorate. Graduate degrees typically take two to four years to complete. Oceanographers with highly specialized interests and areas of expertise might also complete post-graduate certificate programs to improve their intellectual or academic standing.

What is the field of study that focuses on oceans?

Limnologists and oceanographers, marine biologists and marine geologists study various aspects of the oceans. Physical oceanographers specialize in the study of oceans and the physical aspects of their circulation.

How much does a geoscientist make in 2016?

2016 Salary Information for Geoscientists. Geoscientists earned a median annual salary of $89,780 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, geoscientists earned a 25th percentile salary of $62,830, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount.

How long does it take to get a PhD in research?

Graduate degrees typically take two to four years to complete.

Is oceanography a multidisciplinary field?

However, physical oceanography is inherently multi-disciplinary, so students can choose other majors and still find careers later in the field.

Who is an oceanographer?

A biological, chemical or even physical oceanographer is the primary focus of a marine environment educator or oceanographer. Job descriptions vary depending on the type of employment and the work environment. These experts conduct research and studies on water and sea life.

How to become an oceanographer?

Oceanographers must be comfortable with computers and their abilities to analyze catalog and research data. These essential computing skills will aid them in learning sophisticated approaches for investigating the ocean. This includes options for digital mapping, remote sensing, and computer modeling.

What are the qualifications you need to become an oceanographer?

For an entry-level career or even internships, oceanographers can start with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree may be required for research positions. A doctorate is required if you want to teach or participate in high-level research projects.

Different job prospects

As a marine environment educator/oceanographer, you can work in a variety of settings. The majority of the demand stems from environmental preservation or water management. There are plenty of job opportunities in this field of study and research, including teaching and government roles.

The average salary of an oceanographer

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average compensation for oceanographers is $105,720 per year. According to studies, the job market for this occupation is predicted to rise until 2024.

What is a biological oceanographer?

Biological Oceanographer study the makeup of our oceans. Like Marine Biologists, they will look at the life forms and ecosystem, but they will also look at how external factors impact on life forms in the ocean bodies.

What are the jobs in oceanography?

Recent Biological Oceanography Job Listings 1 Perform data collection, analysis, and reporting of ocean environmental processes 2 Consider the ecological, biological, chemical, physical, and geological impact of marine life, and vice versa 3 Assist team scientists and engineers with project-related tasks 4 Read current literature and research in the field 5 Perform project management activities 6 Prepare concise and high-quality data figures and summaries 7 Prepare technical reports as part of deliverables for completed work 8 Participate in new proposal efforts to gain support and funding for upcoming projects 9 Use a scientific approach to understanding and interpreting oceanic processes 10 Collect, process, evaluate and report on sediment and substrate samples 11 Assist with hydrographic and geophysical surveys, data collection and processing as they impact oceanic biology 12 Create coastal, estuarine, oceanographic, and meteorological observation protocols for survey data 13 Prepare and mobilize equipment 14 Collect and report on field observations 15 Prepare permits and regulatory documents 16 Perform literature reviews and background research to stay informed of current developments in the field 17 Perform shoreline and embankment change analysis 18 Report on project status to internal staff and team lead 19 Prepare and deliver presentations to collaborators 20 Prepare written reports including discussions of technical methods, analyze results, and process descriptions

What is the name of the organization that studies lake environments?

Limnology is the study of lake environments. NOAA: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the best-known organization of its kind globally.

What does biological oceanography look for in marine biology?

This is the remit, largely, of Marine Biology, but Biological Oceanography will look at other and external factors that impact life in the oceans.

What are the factors that affect the ocean?

Another aspect where a Biological Oceanographer will have more expertise than a Marine Biologist is in the meteorology of the oceans. Trade winds, El Nino and storms are all external factors that might impact an ocean's ecology and the biological life.

Is it possible to get an investigative degree with a BA?

Investigative jobs are possible through practical on-the-job experience with a BS or BA, the low job demand up to 2024 means this path will be more difficult. For those who would prefer independent research roles at universities, or to teach at a dedicated college or university, a doctorate is vital.