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
     American Geophysical Union- Careers in Science

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.

 Back to the Oceanography Course Homepage