Why Study Oceanography?
Oceanography is the application of fundamental science to understanding the ocean and determining how it influences the world in which we live. In particular, it is the application of physics, chemistry, biology and geology to the study of the sea and its surroundings.
Intensive scientific study of the ocean, begun in the last century, is expected to expand in scope considerably during the present century. There's a basic need to understand the ocean which covers 70% of the Earth's surface. As this understanding develops, it leads to improvements in many areas including climate prediction, weather forecasting, environmental protection, fisheries, waste disposal, and the recovery of oil and minerals. Knowledge of the world's oceans is also necessary in transportation and naval operations. Because of our relative ignorance of the sea and its growing importance to human survival and welfare, career prospects for oceanographers are promising.
Careers in Oceanography
Most oceanographers with M.S. and Ph.D. graduate degrees are employed in oceanographic research, teaching, or both, typically at a government laboratory or a university. Others work for private industry or nonprofit organizations.
Although most oceanographers work within their subdiscipline (physics, chemistry, biology or geology) there is a growing need for those with interdisciplinary capabilities.
As in any field, job prospects, depend on market demand and competition. At the present time, those prospects are especially strong in physical and chemical oceanography.
Oceanographic knowledge is also valuable to many people who are not themselves oceanographers. For example, science journalists, high-school teachers, and those working in environmental management or assessment, and ocean policy or law. The M.O. degree is intended to provide for such people the oceanographic background needed to supplement their training in journalism, education, law, etc.
Preparation for Graduate Work in Oceanography
If you are interested in attending graduate school in oceanography, your best preparation would be a major in an appropriate basic science discipline: physics, chemistry, biology or geology. A solid foundation in one of these areas will provide the knowledge needed to succeed in the field of oceanography.
All who plan to attend the Graduate School of Oceanography at URI, whether at the Master's or Doctorate level, should prepare themselves with an adequate mathematics background, including at least two semesters of calculus. Aspiring physical oceanographers and marine geophysicists should include courses in differential equations and advanced applied mathematics.
We recommend, regardless of discipline, that students should acquire a knowledge of basic physics, chemistry, biology and geology, and should be proficient in computer programming. Some knowledge of statistics is likely to be valuable.
