The BS in Oceanography provides students with an interdisciplinary education and training in one of three areas of ocean science: Ocean Observing Systems and Technology (OOST), Ocean Climate (OC), and Marine Ecosystem Science and Health (MESH).  All students will gain skill in handling, evaluating, and analyzing large datasets.

The exploration and exploitation of energy resources in deeper waters offshore (e.g. Gulf of Mexico), the continued growth of human populations along the coast, and growing efforts to predict and mitigate coastal hazards (e.g. hurricanes, tsunami, oil spills, and harmful algal blooms) is driving an increase in the need and opportunities for well-trained ocean scientists.The BS in Oceanography curriculum: 1) provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the oceans and the processes affecting them for use in careers in marine science or other related fields; 2) provides students with the skills to retrieve, evaluate, and analyze large oceanographic datasets such as those generated from long term oceanographic studies and observing systems; and 3) emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Students planning on attending graduate school are encouraged to also complete a minor in a STEM field.  Many graduates will obtain jobs in a variety of fields including marine technical support, energy and transportation industries, insurance industries, hazard mitigation, marine operations, homeland security, oil spill response, etc.