Chemistry

Ocean chemists (chemical oceanographers) study the chemical composition of seawater and how it is affected by physical mixing processes and interactions with the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the seafloor sediments and rocks. Students may specialize in the organic or physical chemistry of seawater and sediments, photochemical reactions in seawater, air-sea chemical interactions, and the biogeochemical cycling of elements such as carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.
» Visit Sea Grant Marine Careers website

Preparing in High School for majoring in Chemistry 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 if possible.
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 fo success in a science career.

Sample course requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

• Howard University
• University of Florida
• Savannah State University
• Jackson State University (pdf)
• University of California, Berkeley

Preparing in College for majoring in Chemical Oceanography in Graduate School

Candidates for admission to graduate school should have a bachelor's (BS) or master's degree in chemistry, geology, biochemistry or related fields. A scholastic average of 3.0is 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 Chemistry

Many of the best jobs in ocean chemistry 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, and thus attain 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. Some universities offer MS and Ph.D degrees in environmental chemistry with a specialty in ocean chemistry. Talk to your faculty adviser about your interests, or check the website below.
» Visit GradSchools.com

What can you study?

• Fate of pollutants, including petroleum hydrocarbons, and other chemicals that enter the ocean.
• Effects of geological, biological and physical factors on ocean chemistry. As is common in ocean science, chemical oceanographers rely on and interact with researchers from the other disciplines.

Potential careers

• Teaching
• Research
• Pharmaceutical Research
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration