For many students, oceanography conjures up visions of Cousteau, scuba diving, coral reefs, and exotic fishes. Indeed, many students have misconceptions about what an oceanographer does and perhaps, more importantly, what training the profession requires.

Oceanography is a science. Interested high school students should prepare for the career by taking courses in algebra through calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science. In college, you should major in general sciences or specifically marine sciences or engineering. Most oceanographers continue on to a graduate program.

Graduate schools divide oceanography into five major subdivisions: biological oceanography, physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, and oceanographic engineering. Depending on the institution, masters and/or doctoral degrees will be offered. Take care in choosing an advisor, since her/his guidance is critical to your career, and their interests often shape those of their students.

Biological Oceanographer: Studies marine animals and plants (especially those small organisms that make up the floating plankton), their behavior, ecology, and response to pollution. Researches and designs aquaculture systems. There is a fair amount of overlap between these areas and the role of a marine biologist.

Physical Oceanographer: Studies the physical properties of the ocean, including temperature, density, wind and wave action, tides, and water circulation patterns. Examines light and sound transmission through water, and the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere, including weather patterns and prediction, global climate and its influences.

Chemical Oceanographer: Studies the chemical composition of seawater and sediments on the ocean floor, organic and inorganic compounds found in the ocean, the extraction of seawater components, and desalination. Current emphasis includes the effects of pollutants on the ocean and the organisms that live there.

Geological Oceanographer: Studies the ocean floor, its topography, sedimentation, rocks, fossils, and their distribution. Assists in the discovery of mineral resources, including petroleum and natural gas. Often works with marine engineers to design ocean structures. Also examines coastal erosion problems, their causes and effects.

Ocean Engineer: Designs and develops new oceanographic equipment and materials for working in the ocean and structures for working on and under the ocean. Develops computer software and electronic equipment for monitoring oceanographic data.

Some sources of marine career materials include books, which may be in the library:

Opportunities in Marine and Maritime Careers, W.R. Heitzman. VGM Career Horizons, National Textbook Company (312) 679-4210

Careers in Oceanography, School of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331

Careers in Oceanography, C.D. Hollister. American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20009

Ocean Opportunities, W.S. Burtis. The Marine Technology Society, 1730 M St., N.W. Washington, DC 20036

Adapted from W.R. Hall. 1986. Delaware Sea Grant M.A.S. note.

May be reprinted for scientific or educational purposes
Revised 1/01