Additional Information
Oceanography is a science, so take all the science and math courses you
can. Chemistry, earth science, biology, physics, computer science and mathematics
classes are recommended by The Oceanographic Society (TOS).
Don't worry about specializing right away. At most universities, students
enter a general oceanography program first. Later on, they decide what area
interests them the most.
Getting a degree in oceanography is the minimum educational requirement.
These are available at the bachelor, master and doctoral level. The more advanced
the degree, the more likely the oceanographer will carry responsibility for
scientific research projects.
It's important to point out that this is a science, says Judi Rhodes, the
executive director of TOS. "An undergraduate degree in oceanography is not
going to take you very far," she says. In other words, count on getting a
PhD.