Undergraduate Information
The FSU Oceanography Department offers a Ph.D. in Oceanography, a Masters in Oceanography or a Masters degree in Aquatic Environmental Science. Any student with at least a B.S. or B.A. degree in basic science may apply. That basic science: biology, chemistry, physics, geology, math, meteorology, engineering, environmental science; provides the necessary framework from which the interdisciplinary science of oceanography is built.
- Oceanography
- Aquatic Environmental Science
In the course of earning your BS or BA in a basic science, all Oceanography applicants would be advised to include at least one year of college physics, chemistry and calculus in their undergraduate program.
Generally the coursework required to earn your BS/BA will provide an adequate background for moving into the oceanography sub-discipline most closely related to your degree. If you have the opportunity (either paid or volunteer) to participate in laboratory, field work or a research cruise in your major, it will be good experience for graduate work.
Biological Oceanography is the study of the ecology of the oceans. Biological oceanographyers strive to understand the activities and distributions of marine organisms. In preparation, you would want a degree in biological science or a closely related field of study. It would be helpful to you to include coursework in organic chemistry even if it's not required for your bachelor's degree.
Chemical Oceanography is the study of mechanisms that control the distribution of elements and compounds in the atmosphere, ocean, coastal waterways and sediments on the sea floor. In preparation, you would want a degree in chemistry or a closely related field of study. Coursework in geochemistry, environmental chemistry or global change science is suggested though not required.
Physical Oceanography is the study of the fluid world. PHysical Oceanographers study ocean properties such as temperature, salinity, wave motion, tides and currents (like the Gulf Stream). In preparation, you would want a degree in physics, mathematics, meteorology, engineering or a closely related field of study. Courswork in advanced mechanics (physics), ordinary differential equations, advanced calculus, partial differential equations and fluid mechanics would be helpful to your future graduate work.
Additional Advice
While the only real requirement is a science degree, it would be helpful for you to participate in a field program in your area of science. Get involved in research in whatever way is available to you. Work or volunteer during the summer, during a semester, whenever you can make the opportunity. Sign up for a summer field study class, get a job in a professors lab. Hands on is the best introduction!
Good GRE scores and a good GPA are a big help but not the only thing professors look at. Experience, types of classes and recommendation letters are important.
Calculus, statistics and differential equations can turn out to be useful tools for oceanographers so hang in there.
Scientific discovery doesn’t mean much if it cannot be effectively communicated. Writing and public speaking are very important skills for a scientist. Start by learning to write well in a subject you enjoy, no matter the topic.
The most important element is discovering your passion for oceanography. Find an ocean science topic that motivates and inspires you and everything else is easy.