If you want to find out about the top oceanography schools in the world, keep reading this article to know about the schools. Though the oceans and seas are natural, there are physical, chemical, and biological properties that make up the sea.
To study the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean, marine life, and the interaction of marine life with its aquatic environment, you have to go through formal education. Hence to find out about the top oceanography schools in the world, read through.
However, about 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water and about 97 percent of the water is salt water that is flowing into the seas of the planet. Considering the scale of the ocean and the fast improvements in technology, there seems to be no limit to what can and will be discovered in the science of oceanography.
According to National Geographic, Oceanography is the survey of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean, which include the ocean’s ancient history, its current condition, and its future.
Oceanography is a scientific course that deals with all aspects of the world’s oceans and seas. It has four different but related branches which are Physical Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Marine Geology, and Marine Ecology.
- Physical Oceanography: focuses on the properties of seawater (temperature, density, pressure, and so on).
- Chemical Oceanography: focuses on the structure of seawater and the biogeochemical cycles that affect it.
- Marine Geology: focuses on the structure, features, and progression of the ocean basins.
- Marine Ecology: is the study of the plants and animals of the sea which includes life cycles and food production.
Why Should I Attend Oceanography Schools?
A degree in Oceanography gives you a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, geology, and physics. There is lots of hands-on training, too. With such wide skills, Oceanographers understand and help manage the world’s oceans.
Obtaining a degree in Oceanography is important as it helps in understanding the effect of pollutants on ocean waters. It also teaches you how to maintain the quality of the oceans’ waters in the face of increasing human demands made on them.
Furthermore, as an Oceanographer, you’ll understand and predict how the world’s oceans and seas work, and how to make the most logical and sustainable use of their resources.
Becoming an Oceanographer
Oceanographers receive a background education in biology, physics, chemistry, and geology, but they generally go on to focus their research in one field or the other. They begin with a bachelor’s degree and then look into pursuing internship programs or entry-level positions.
Oceanography schools may offer specializations like marine geology, chemical, physical and biological oceanography. Hence, to get into top positions as an oceanographer, scholars usually go on to obtain a Master’s or Ph.D. level education before becoming ocean scientists and high-level researchers.
The Duration of Study Oceanography
The duration of the Oceanography program is different according to the institution and program. The minimum education required for a career in oceanography is a bachelor’s degree in Oceanography or basic sciences. A bachelor’s degree is for three to five years in most cases.
A master’s degree in a specialized field of Oceanography spans two-three years. Then Ph.D. in a specialized branch of oceanography will be needed if you plan to teach oceanography at the college level.
The Income of an Oceanographer
According to the Bureau of Labor, Statistics, the median pay for Oceanographers was $90,890 per annum.
Top Oceanography Schools
Here is a list of the top Oceanography schools:
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of California-San Diego
- University of California-Santa Cruz
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- University of Miami
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- United States Naval Academy
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