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Oceanography Minor

Tailor Your Studies in Oceanography
  • Lab

    Most of Our Classes Have a Hands-On Field & Lab Component

  • Intern

    Program Offers Opportunities to Conduct Research at a State-of-the-Art Facility with Top-Notch Scientists & Internship Opportunities

  • 107

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Oceanography, Minor Program Overview

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Ocean Sciences

Our interdisciplinary minor allows you to take course work in biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and geological oceanography. You will have opportunities to focus on specific interests through elective coursework.

Address Challenges Affecting the Oceans

Whether you want to assess the impacts of hurricanes on shorelines or research how climate contributes to environmental and societal change, our oceanography program provides you the knowledge needed to tackle contemporary problems and complex policy issues affecting the oceans.

Grounded In Field-Based Experiences

The ocean connects everything. Understanding it can help us to make the planet a better place. You will engage with faculty in diverse, innovative research in physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of our oceans. Courses and research opportunities cover everything from underwater earthquakes and volcanoes to nearshore chemistry to the evolution of barrier islands like nearby Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Masonboro Island.

Satellite image

Sample Course in an Oceanography Minor

Table shows sample courses for this program
OCN 150 Introduction to Oceanography
OCN 350 Advanced Oceanography
OCN 390 Field Methods in Oceanography
GLY 450 Geological Oceanography
GGY 333 Applied Climatology
See The Full Curriculum

Learn To

Understand and be able to apply the scientific method to oceanographic problems

Critically read, logically evaluate, and effectively communicate data, problems, and issues in oceanography

Identify and describe basic oceanographic concepts and processes, common materials and constituents of the oceans, key events in the history and evolution of the oceans

Analyze and interpret oceanographic data in both laboratory and field settings

Integrate knowledge of mathematics and other natural sciences to evaluate arguments and solve problems

Alumni Work In:

Protect and preserve ecosystems in oceans and seas through planned management to prevent the over-exploitation of these resources. (Source)

Work for government institutions engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods and systems and also in the management of the projects concerned. (Source)

Study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present and future. (Source)

Provide specialized expertise, personnel, instrumentation and support services to scientists that use oceanographic research vessels. (Source)

Federal or state regulators create, implement and enforce policies related to the ocean or the coast. (Source)

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