Geology & Geophysics

Ocean geologists (geological oceanographers) study seafloor features and the rocks and sediments that comprise these features. In the 1960s, ocean geologists led a revolution in Earth science when they developed the theory of plate tectonics and associated continental drift using evidence provided by seafloor measurements. By combining their knowledge of marine chemistry and physical oceanography, marine geologists help piece together information about how the Earth formed and how the movement of plates and continents results in events such as volcanoes and earthquakes. By examining the distribution of microfossils (such as fossil foraminifera) in cores collected from the seafloor, paleoclimatologists seek to understand past changes in the Earth’s climate and the causes for those changes. Coastal geologists study beach erosion, effects of sea level change on coastal environments, the fate of sediments entering the ocean from rivers, and the impacts of ground water entering the coastal ocean.

Preparing in High School for majoring in Geology 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 Geology:

• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology – Earth Science (pdf)
• Humboldt State University (pdf)
• St. Lawrence University
• Princeton University

Preparing in College for majoring in Geological Oceanography in Graduate School

Candidates for admission to graduate school should have a bachelor's (BS) or master's degree in one of the earth sciences; undergraduate physical chemistry and calculus are also required. A scholastic average of 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 Geology

Many of the best jobs in ocean geology 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. Some universities offer MS and Ph.D degrees in geology with a specialty in ocean geology.
» Visit GradSchools.com

What can you study?

• Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution and quality of water.
• Coastal processes, including sea level rise and its effects on the coastal environment.
• Volcanology
• Seismology
• Paleoclimatology is the study of the changes in the climate over the entire history of the Earth, including climate change.
• Ocean Mining, Oil and Gas Exploration

Potential careers

• Teaching
• Research
• Coastal Engineer
• Offshore oil and natural gas industry
• Military (Navy, Army Corp of Engineers)
• U.S. Geological Survey
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration