How Long Do You Have to Study to Become a Physical Oceanographer?
Water covers most of the planet, and the world's bodies of water provide a field of study for many interrelated scientific disciplines. Limnologists and oceanographers, marine biologists and marine geologists study various aspects of the oceans. Physical oceanographers specialize in the study of oceans and the physical aspects of their circulation. This includes everything from the study of worldwide currents to the effect of local tides on the shoreline. Most physical oceanographers spend several years earning graduate degrees in their field.
Careers in physical oceanography begin with an undergraduate degree. Many schools offer undergraduate programs in physical oceanography, or programs in oceanography with the option of a physical oceanography emphasis. However, physical oceanography is inherently multi-disciplinary, so students can choose other majors and still find careers later in the field. Core subjects in the curriculum should include physics, general oceanography, geology, chemistry and biochemistry and advanced mathematics. Computer programming and modeling skills are also vital to physical oceanography, and make a useful emphasis or minor as part of your degree program.
Although it's possible to work in oceanography with a bachelor's degree, responsible and well-paid positions typically require a graduate degree. Oceanographers with master's degrees can work in most government and private-sector settings, as well as for non-governmental associations. Creating and administering research projects, or academic positions with universities and major research facilities, typically requires a doctorate. Graduate degrees typically take two to four years to complete. Oceanographers with highly specialized interests and areas of expertise might also complete post-graduate certificate programs to improve their intellectual or academic standing.
The education of a physical oceanographer can take six to 10 years, but it opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Investigation of the world's ocean currents and waterways has far-reaching implications for commercial shipping, fisheries and naval activities. The interaction of oceans and the atmosphere, another aspect of physical oceanography, plays a role in forecasting weather and predicting the appearance and course of major storms. Physical oceanographers advise governmental and non-governmental organizations on the effects of coastal erosion, and help to predict the effects of new construction and infrastructure projects on tidal action.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21 percent growth in the number of geoscientists, a group that includes oceanographers, between 2010 and 2020. The BLS foresees reduced hiring in the government sector due to budget constraints, but an increase in the number of scientists working as or for private research contractors. Physical oceanography also has a role to play in environmental regulation and resource management, areas in which the BLS predicts strong growth.
2016 Salary Information for Geoscientists
Geoscientists earned a median annual salary of $89,780 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, geoscientists earned a 25th percentile salary of $62,830, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $127,620, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 32,000 people were employed in the U.S. as geoscientists.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: An Oceanographer Studies the Ocean
- Sea Grant Marine Careers: Physical Oceanography
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Physical Oceanography
- University of Washington School of Oceanography: Undergraduate Course Planning - Physical Oceanography
- MIT/Woods Hole Joint Program in Oceanography: Physical Oceanography
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists
- Career Trend: Geoscientists
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