Oceanography applies an eclectic mix of natural sciences to the study of the world’s oceans. Physics, chemistry, biology, geology, geography, meteorology and even astronomy contribute to understanding the composition, structure and motion of seawater, and its interaction with the lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

Although a few four-year institutions offer undergraduate degrees in oceanography, students who pursue oceanographic studies typically complete undergraduate degrees in one or more of the aforementioned natural sciences, then later apply that knowledge to graduate study in oceanography. The associate degree in oceanography outlined below provides beginning lecture, lab and field courses in oceanography, plus a solid foundation of math and appropriate science courses upon which transferring students can build baccalaureate degrees that are later applied in graduate oceanographic studies.

Career Opportunities

https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php

Aquarist
Boat Captain
Chemical Oceanographer¹
Climatologist¹
Environmental Advocate
Marine Archaeologist¹
Marine Biologist¹
Marine Economist¹
Marine Geologist / Geophysicist¹
Marine Lawyer¹
Marine Policy Specialist¹
Ocean Engineer¹
Ocean Fisheries Specialist¹
Ocean Resource Management¹
Ocean Technician
Physical Oceanographer¹
Teacher¹

¹

Bachelor’s degree or higher required.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program.

1. Students will find, use and evaluate resources for oceanographic information.

Associate Degree Major Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”

Course List

Code	Title	Units
CHEM-141	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM-142	General Chemistry II	5
GEOL-110	Planet Earth	3
MATH-180	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	5
OCEA-112	Introduction to Oceanography	3
OCEA-113	Oceanography Laboratory	1
Select two of the following:		8-10
BIO-105	Marine Biology
BIO-120	Principles of Biology
MATH-280	Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
PHYC-201	Mechanics and Waves
PHYC-202	Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat
Select six units from the following:		6
BIO-110	Environmental Biology
CHEM-110	Environmental Chemistry
GEOG-104	Introduction to Geographic Information Science
GEOG-120	Physical Geography: Earth Systems
GEOG-140	Meteorology: Weather and Climate
GEOL-121	Earth History
GEOL-162	Geologic Field Studies: Southern California Mountain Areas
GEOL-163	Geologic Field Studies: Mojave Desert and Adjacent Areas
GEOL-164	Geologic Field Studies: Southern California Coastal Areas
GEOL-165	Geologic Field Studies: Colorado Desert/Salton Trough Area
GEOL-172	Field Exploration: Colorado Plateau
GEOL-173	Field Exploration: Cascade Range/Modoc Plateau
GEOL-174	Field Exploration: Basin and Range Province
GEOL-175	Field Exploration: California Coastal Mountains
GEOL-176	Field Exploration: Sierra Nevada
GEOL-210	Geology of California
GEOL-220	Geology of the National Parks
GEOL-230	Natural Disasters
OCEA-150	Field Study of the Natural History of the Greater San Diego Region
Total Units		36-38

Plus General Education and Elective Requirements