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.
Our courses emphasize applications to contemporary challenges to the management of marine resources.
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 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
Oceanography News
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Not Settling for Science
In late August Professor Jenny Murphy found herself doing a task students in her marine biology lab usually take on. She built and deployed six "settling plates," attached them to a rope, and suspended them from the floating dock next to The Cub....
Oceanography Researchers at Martha's Vineyard Observatory
Cal Maritime's Oceanography degree program launches this fall, but the study of Oceanography and Marine Science at Cal Maritime dates back more than two decades. And researchers from Cal Maritime are already taking part in important work....