Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemical components, mechanisms, structure, and movement of ocean waters and their interaction with terrestrial and atmospheric phenomena. Includes instruction in material inputs and outputs, chemical and biochemical transformations in marine systems, equilibria studies, inorganic and organic ocean chemistry, oceanographic processes, sediment transport, zone processes, circulation, mixing, tidal movements, wave properties, and seawater properties.
- Schools offering
- 24
- Annual completions
- 239
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $61k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemical components, mechanisms, structure, and movement of ocean waters and their interaction with terrestrial and atmospheric phenomena. Includes instruction in material inputs and outputs, chemical and biochemical transformations in marine systems, equilibria studies, inorganic and organic ocean chemistry, oceanographic processes, sediment transport, zone processes, circulation, mixing, tidal movements, wave properties, and seawater properties.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers | $99k | +3.2% | Bachelor's degree |
| Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary | $101k | +2.6% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Hydrologists | $92k | -0.1% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$61k
Top colleges for Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | 0 | 38 | 38 |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | Baton Rouge, LA | 0 | 35 | 35 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 0 | 33 | 33 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 0 | 27 | 27 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt | Arcata, CA | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | College Station, TX | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| California State University Maritime Academy | Vallejo, CA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | Kutztown, PA | 0 | 7 | 7 |
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