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Updated 25 March 1997
What is oceanography? Oceanography is a multidisciplinary science concerned with knowledge of the oceans and improvements in technology based on such knowledge. It incorporates many scientific fields that can be applied to the marine environment--physics, geology, chemistry, biology, meteorology, geography, and geodesy.
What do oceanographers do? There are two types of oceanographers in the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. The physical oceanographer studies the physical properties of the ocean and the relationship between the sea and the atmosphere. The geological oceanographer studies the topographic features, rocks, sediments, and physical composition of the ocean floor. The Command employs other types of marine scientists, such as geophysicists and physical science technicians who examine other aspects of the ocean environment.
Where do oceanographers work? Because oceanography is the study of the ocean, most oceanographers spend a great deal of time at sea. The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command operates eight Military Sealift Command ships, conducting oceanographic survey operations worldwide. Some oceanographers work in ocean research at other organizations.
What are the typical working conditions for oceanographers? Because the nature of oceanography involves the sea, most oceanographers work aboard ships. A great deal of time, however, may also be spent in the laboratory interpreting data.
How do I find a job in oceanography? The estimated 10,000 oceanographers, marine scientists, engineers, and support personnel employed in the United States work for government agencies, colleges and universities, and private industry. Approximately 40 percent are employed by various Federal agencies and activities, such as the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. An additional 40 percent work as teachers and researchers in colleges and universities. Private industry employs some in research and development work, and a small number are engaged in independent consultation and writing.
What high school courses are necessary to prepare for a career in oceanography? Because oceanography is a science, a good background in mathematics and the sciences is mandatory. Knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology is helpful toward a career in the marine sciences.
Do I need more education than high school for a career in oceanography? How much and what kind? There are three patterns of education that may be pursued for a career in oceanography. The first is to complete a program in oceanography or a related marine discipline to the level of bachelor of science; this requires about four years of college-level study. The second (and most common) pattern is to complete a bachelor of science level program in one of the basic sciences such as geology, chemistry, biology, physics, or engineering. After this training, it is often possible to go directly to work in ocean-related jobs, using the basic scientific knowledge on ocean-oriented problems. Alternatively, one can continue into oceanography or geophysics at the graduate school level and work toward the master's or doctoral level. The time required for attaining advanced degrees varies widely, depending upon both the school and the student. The third pattern is that offered by a number of junior colleges and technical schools. These programs lead to an associate of arts degree in technology or science.
If I decide to go to college, which is the best college or university for an oceanography major? Many colleges and universities offer courses in oceanography and other marine sciences. A publication titled, Curricula in the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Related Sciences lists the schools and the courses they offer. It is available in libraries or may be purchased from the American Meteorological Society, 45 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 for $30.00 including shipping and handling. Other information may be obtained by writing directly to the institution.
What kinds of jobs are available to people with an education in oceanography? An oceanography degree or a degree in a related marine science qualifies an individual to perform many ocean related jobs. Among those are: geological or physical oceanographer, marine geophysicist, physical science technician, marine electronic technician/engineer, or coastal civil engineer.
What college courses will be required if I major in oceanography? Although course requirements differ from one university to another, several courses are considered mandatory for a basic understanding of the ocean environment. Oceanography majors must complete courses in mathematics--emphasizing differential equations, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, naval engineering, environmental dynamics, as well as naval oceanography applications.
When must I decide what kind of oceanography professional I want to be? Although most colleges require a declared major at the beginning of the third year, a student has the option to change fields throughout his/her college career. Because the marine sciences are interrelated, an oceanography major is equipped to enter almost any ocean-related field.
How much does it cost to attend college? As with course requirements, college costs also vary greatly. Specific information should be obtained from the school itself.
Is financial aid available for those students who need help? How much? What kind? Financial aid, again, varies with the school. The institution itself is the primary source of this information.
What salaries do oceanographers earn? Salary scales in both the private sector and the government are similar and follow the criteria of education, experience, and competence. The Federal Government offers a GS-5 position the starting salary of $19,081 for bachelor of science level college graduates. Through a promotion system, oceanographers employed by the government may eventually attain a grade of GS-15 with a starting salary of $69,300. Additional adjustments increase the pay by geographic locality. Check the 1996 Civilian Pay Scale for more information.
Do employers offer on-the-job training? The Federal Government offers on-the-job training for its marine science employees. This training consists primarily of experience at sea.
What does it take to become a really good oceanographer? A good oceanographer must be willing to spend at least 50 percent of his/her time at sea engaged in surveys or conducting research. The sacrifices involved in this type of sea duty are tremendous; however, most oceanographers have found that the rewards that come from discovering the ocean's secrets far outweigh the imposition of long deployments at sea.
For further information about employment in the Federal Government contact your local Office of Personnel Management, listed under U.S. Government in the telephone directory. The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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