Physics

Ocean physicists (physical oceanographers) want to understand ocean currents and mixing: why, where, and how water moves, as well as the consequences of these movements. Some physical oceanographers are theoreticians and study the ocean with equations and computer models. Others make observations from ships, autonomous vehicles and, increasingly, from satellite observations. An important new emphasis in physical oceanography is to better understand the role of the ocean in global climate and climate change.
» Visit Sea Grant Marine Careers website

Biological, chemical, and geological oceanographers often need to collaborate with physical oceanographers, because ocean currents and ocean mixing complicate interpretations of other processes.

Preparing in High School for majoring in Physics in college

1. Take as many science courses as you can in high school, including biology, chemistry and physics.
2. Take as many math courses as you can, including Algebra I and II, trigonometry, and calculus.
3. Take computer classes. Computing skills including word processing and data analysis programs are very important.
4. Take English, literature and speech classes. Although it might not seem intuitive, communication skills are extremely important for success in a science career.

Sample course requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physics:

• Vanderbilt University
• Spelman College
• San Diego State University (pdf)
• California Institute of Technology

Preparing in College for majoring in Physical Oceanography in Graduate School

Candidates for admission to graduate school should have a bachelor's (BS) or master's degree in a physical science, including 3 years of mathematics and physics. A scholastic average 3.0 or better is expected.

Missing a required course? Don’t give up! Some programs will still accept new graduate students and then provide the opportunity to complete one or more courses to fill gaps in their education.

If you have the opportunity (either paid or volunteer) to participate in laboratory, field work or a research cruise during your undergraduate years, it will serve as good preparation for graduate work. Participating in an ocean Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer program is a great way to learn about ocean research and to meet faculty and graduate students involved in ocean science, policy and engineering graduate programs. REU programs provide stipends to cover expenses, and often students are able save some of their summer stipend money.
» Visit REU website

Graduate Programs in Ocean Physics

Many of the best jobs in ocean physics require a Masters (MS) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in ocean science or closely related field. Some students choose to get an MS first and then go on for a Ph.D. Others go straight for a Ph.D., and some choose to only get an MS.

Most graduate students in ocean science receive a stipend that covers living expenses and have their graduate tuition paid, thus attaining their graduate degree without incurring additional education debt.

There are many excellent graduate programs in ocean science at state and private institutions. Virtually every coastal state has at least one program and larger states, such as California, have many. Talk to your faculty adviser about your interests, or check the website below.
» Visit GradSchools.com

What can you study?

• Remote sensing is the acquisition of data using sensor technologies such as satellites, sensors or aircraft.
• Coastal processes including how ocean currents transport larvae of fish and other organisms.
• Computer modeling is a method to simulate atmosphere and ocean processes.
• Air-sea interaction is the term to describe how the coupled system of the atmosphere and ocean interact, exchanging heat, water and momentum.
• Large scale ocean circulation patterns have a very important effect on many different aspects of the ocean and atmosphere, including the role of the ocean in global climate patterns

Potential careers

• Teaching
• Research
• Military applications
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Ocean, Weather, Hurricane Center)
• Oil and natural gas industry
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration