Careers in Oceanography

 
Careers in oceanography offer the possibility of adventure and the satisfaction of making meaningful contributions toward understanding our planet. Oceanography is broadly divided into disciplinary subfields, including: 
  •    biological oceanography
  •    chemical oceanography
  •    geological oceanography
  •    ocean engineering 
  •    physical oceanography

Interdisciplinary work in oceanography spans the boundaries between these traditional subfields.  For example, marine geochemistry is an example of an interdisciplinary area of oceanographic work which combines aspects of geological oceanography and marine chemistry.  Applied oceanography focuses on the use and management of ocean resources. Coastal engineering and marine resource management are examples of career areas in applied oceanography.

The following websites discuss career activities and job and salary outlook in the various subfields of oceanography.
 
Sea Grant Marinecareers.net
Questions About Careers in Oceanography - Texas Sea Grant
American Geophysical Union- Careers in Science


Jobs in Oceanography - Many of these listings will require advanced degrees, but this will provide you with a feel for the types of possibilites if you decide on this area for your career:
 

Standford University Listing of links to Marine Science Jobs
The Oceanography Society's job listing board
Job links at the Dalhousie University Department of Oceanography
Job Links at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration website


Careers in oceanography usually require an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.). A Bachelor's degree in science or math is considered an important qualification for embarking on graduate study in oceanography. Students doing graduate work in oceanography typically have undergraduate degrees in either biology, chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics or engineering. Information about the degree requirements of the undergraduate and graduate programs in geology at Kent State University are available through the Geology Department.

Please feel free to talk with the Instructor for more information about career options in oceanography.


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