Oceanography would be a good major

In summary, oceanography would be a good major for someone interested in the oceans and their impact on the world. A double major in oceanography and physics would be beneficial, but it would require a lot of hard work. There are various career opportunities available in oceanography, including research organizations, exploration companies, and jobs related to food production. For those interested in geology, there are also options such as geophysics and earth science. Many universities offer programs in oceanography, including the University of Delaware, which has a strong undergraduate research program and is close to home for the speaker.
  • #1
glennpagano44
64
0
I am about to apply to colleges and was wondering if oceanography would be a good major and your views on this major. Would it be better to double major in physics and oceanography or just major in physics? Just wondering your views.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Yes - oceanography would be a good major, and oceanography+physics would be even better, although a double major would be a lot of (hard) work.

There are research organizations like Scripps or Woods Hole where one could do research, but there are also exploration companies exploring for oil/gas and minerals offshore.

Oceans provide a tremendous amount of food to the world, and understanding the nuances of the oceans will become more critical in the near and long term.
 
  • #3


I was thinking the same thing about oceanography and physics being a hard double major. If I major in only physics will I still be able to find a job working as a oceanographer? I was also wondering if it would be better to get my undergrad in physics and grad in oceanography? I know I am asking a lot of questions but here is one more. If I get a degree in geolgy would that be better because it is more broad than oceanography?

Thanks a lot in advance any comments welcome
 
  • #4
There is also the possibility of Geophysics or Earth Science as an alternative to Geology.


FYI -

http://www.ocean.udel.edu/
http://www.ocean.udel.edu/extreme2002/resources/Index.html

See this - Introduction to Physical Oceanography (downloadable)
http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/ocng_textbook/contents.html


http://www.ncl.ac.uk/marine/
The School of Marine Science and Technology is the largest and broadest-based marine school in the UK, covering the fields of marine engineering, marine biology, naval architecture, offshore engineering, coastal management and small craft technology, and enjoys a substantial international reputation.


School of Oceanography, University of Washington

http://www.ocean.washington.edu/2004/research/programs.html [Broken]
The School of Oceanography at the University of Washington is a national leader in oceanographic research and education of graduate and undergraduate students. With its roots in the UW Oceanographic Laboratories founded in 1930 and directed by Professor Thomas G. Thompson, the School was organized formally in 1951. The faculty numbers 60. An additional 20 adjunct and affiliate faculty, mainly drawn from the UW Applied Physics Laboratory and NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, are also active in graduate advising.


http://sio.ucsd.edu/
Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for marine science research, graduate training, and public service in the world.

Scripps Institution was founded in 1903 as an independent biological research laboratory, which became part of the University of California in 1912. At that time the laboratory was given the Scripps name in recognition of supporters Ellen Browning Scripps and E. W. Scripps.

Scripps staff numbers approximately 1,300, including about 90 faculty, nearly 300 other scientists, and some 200 graduate students. The institution's annual expenditures total more than $140 million.


Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island
http://www.gso.uri.edu/support/index.html [Broken]


Department of Oceanography - http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/oceanography/
at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa

The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (Univ. of Georgia) - http://www.skio.peachnet.edu/ [Broken]
The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) is an autonomous research unit of the University System of Georgia. The mission of the Institute is to provide the State of Georgia with a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in marine science.
http://www.skio.peachnet.edu/Skioresearch/researchareas/ [Broken]


UEA Meteorology, Oceanography and Climate Dynamics
http://envam1.env.uea.ac.uk/met_ocean_climate.html [Broken]


National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
http://www.noc.soton.ac.uk/


See also - ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil
http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/

ICES/CIEM International Council for the Exploration of the Sea/Conseil International pour l'Exploration de la Mer
http://www.ices.dk/indexnofla.asp [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5


Thanks a lot for all of the information university of delaware is very inviting since it is also close to my home which is a plus for me. U of D also has a great undergrad research program which is also good.
 

1. Why would oceanography be a good major?

Oceanography is a good major because it is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses a wide range of subjects such as biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. This allows students to gain a diverse set of skills and knowledge that can be applied to various career paths within the field.

2. What kind of job opportunities are available for oceanography majors?

Oceanography majors have a variety of job opportunities available to them, including marine researcher, oceanographer, environmental consultant, marine technician, and many more. These jobs can be found in government agencies, research institutions, environmental organizations, and private companies.

3. Is oceanography a growing field?

Yes, oceanography is a growing field as there is an increasing demand for experts who can study and understand the world's oceans. With the growing concern for our planet's health and the need for sustainable practices, the demand for oceanographers is expected to continue to rise in the future.

4. What skills are necessary for an oceanography major?

Some essential skills for an oceanography major include strong analytical and critical thinking skills, data analysis and interpretation, communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team. A background in science and mathematics is also beneficial.

5. Are there any specific courses or prerequisites for oceanography majors?

The specific courses and prerequisites for oceanography majors may vary depending on the university or program. However, most programs require students to have a strong foundation in science and mathematics, and may also have specific prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, and physics courses. It is important to research the requirements of the specific program you are interested in to ensure you meet all the necessary prerequisites.

Similar threads

  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
844
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
251
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
911
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
709
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top