Here’s a brief list of what Oceanographers do:

• Physical Oceanography: Studies ocean currents, waves, tides, and the physical properties of seawater (temperature, salinity, density) to understand ocean circulation patterns and their impact on climate and ecosystems.

• Chemical Oceanography: Investigates the composition, distribution, and cycling of chemical elements and compounds in the ocean, including nutrients, pollutants, and carbon dioxide, and their influence on marine life and global biogeochemical cycles.

• Biological Oceanography: Studies marine organisms, their habitats, behaviors, and interactions with the environment, to understand marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the effects of environmental change on marine life.

• Geological Oceanography: Examines the geology and geological processes of the ocean floor, including seafloor mapping, sedimentation, plate tectonics, underwater volcanism, and the formation of marine resources (e.g., mineral deposits).

• Marine Technology and Instrumentation: Develops and utilizes specialized instruments and technologies (e.g., remotely operated vehicles, buoys, acoustic sensors) to collect data from the ocean environment and conduct research in remote or extreme oceanic regions.

• Climate and Environmental Change: Studies the role of the oceans in climate regulation, global warming, sea level rise, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

• Resource Management and Conservation: Provides scientific information and advice for sustainable management of marine resources, fisheries, coastal zones, and marine protected areas.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Foundation:

• High School: Focus on taking courses in mathematics (including calculus and statistics), biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects provide a strong foundation for understanding scientific principles and processes relevant to oceanography.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in oceanography, marine science, marine biology, geology, environmental science, or a related field. Ensure the program includes coursework in oceanography, marine ecology, marine geology, physical oceanography, and marine chemistry.

2. Gain Practical Experience:

• Seek internships, summer programs, or research opportunities during your undergraduate studies. Look for positions at marine research institutions, oceanographic laboratories, universities, or government agencies involved in marine science. Practical experience in fieldwork, data collection, and laboratory analysis is crucial.

3. Advanced Degrees (Optional):

• Consider pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in oceanography or a specialized area of marine science if you plan to work in research, academia, or advanced positions in industry. Advanced degrees provide opportunities to conduct independent research and specialize in specific aspects of oceanography.

4. Develop Technical Skills:

• Gain proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python) and geographic information systems (GIS) for processing and interpreting oceanographic data.

• Familiarize yourself with oceanographic instrumentation and equipment used for remote sensing, underwater exploration, and sampling techniques.

5. Specialize in a Subfield:

• Oceanography encompasses various subfields such as biological oceanography, physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, marine ecology, and marine biogeochemistry. Consider specializing in a particular area based on your interests and career goals.

6. Build a Professional Network:

• Join professional organizations such as the Oceanography Society, the American Geophysical Union (AGU), or local marine science societies. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with professionals, learn about advancements in oceanography, and explore job opportunities.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!