Oceanography would be a good major

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the merits of pursuing a major in oceanography, particularly in relation to a potential double major in physics. Participants explore various educational pathways and career prospects associated with oceanography and related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that oceanography is a good major, and combining it with physics could enhance career opportunities, though it may require significant effort.
  • There are mentions of various research organizations and industries where oceanography graduates might find employment, including exploration companies and research institutions.
  • One participant questions whether a physics major alone would suffice for a career in oceanography and considers the possibility of pursuing a graduate degree in oceanography after an undergraduate degree in physics.
  • Another participant proposes that a degree in geology could be more advantageous due to its broader scope compared to oceanography.
  • Alternatives such as Geophysics or Earth Science are also mentioned as potential fields of study.
  • Several links to educational resources and institutions related to oceanography are provided, highlighting their research capabilities and educational offerings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best educational path, with no consensus reached on whether oceanography, geology, or a combination with physics is preferable. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal major for a career in oceanography.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about job prospects with different majors and the implications of pursuing a double major. There is also a lack of clarity on how specific programs may align with career goals in oceanography.

glennpagano44
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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.
 
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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.
 


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
 
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
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


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/
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/


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


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
 
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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.
 

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