Oceanography

The Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography at California State University Maritime Academy provides students with a broad, foundational understanding of modern oceanography.

Students gain a theoretical background and practical skills in oceanography and are challenged to apply foundational knowledge using the scientific method through hands-on directed research experiences, culminating in a piece of original scholarship.

Like all degree programs at Cal Maritime, the oceanography degree emphasizes workforce-ready skills and the development of professional networks that are crucial for successful placement after graduation.

Central to Cal Maritime’s mission, Oceanography students study abroad and gain a global perspective of ocean literacy and stewardship. Our graduates are prepared to serve as leaders in the development of new ocean science knowledge and the ability to make responsible, evidence-based decisions for managing ocean resources.

Our courses emphasize applications to contemporary challenges to the management of marine resources.

Our Advantage

The campus location and facilities, our faculty and staff, and our hands-on approach to higher education make Cal Maritime an ideal campus for the serious study of Oceanography. Cal Maritime sits on the shores of the San Francisco Estuary, the largest estuary on the west coast, and offers exceptional access to conduct oceanographic studies in estuarine, coastal and open ocean environments.

Our campus facilities include a protected harbor with deep water dock and a fleet of training vessels the TS Golden Bear. The Golden Bear has a global reach, with student training cruises to both the Atlantic and Pacific, and serves as an ocean-going research facility for the management of marine invasive species through ballast water treatment. Cal Maritime is a member of the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) and hosts a CeNCOOS ocean observing shore station at our pier. The Oceanography Research Lab opened in Spring 2019. Our campus location is within an hour drive to state government in Sacramento and the technology center of the Bay Area provide vast and varied opportunities for institutional collaborations and student internship experiences.