What Can I Do With a Major In Ocean Science?
UGA Specific Information for Ocean Science
The Ocean Science Major (B.S.) provides students with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and function of marine systems, from global oceans to local estuarine environments, and their interactions with the earth/atmosphere system. The major will equip students with the critical thinking skills and analytical tools needed to design, carry out, and interpret scientific studies in a broad range of environmental fields. Faculty on the Athens campus and at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography are engaged in cutting-edge research into the biological, chemical, geological, and physical aspects of marine systems on the Georgia coast and around the globe, and as such can provide students with a diverse range of learning and research opportunities. Many of our majors will spend a semester on the coast at the Skidaway Institute, taking courses and participating in research. The major in Ocean Science (B.S.) will provide students with the knowledge and training to pursue a variety of careers related to marine ecosystems, including basic and applied research, natural resource management, aquaculture, coastal and environmental policy, and environmental consulting. The major will also provide an excellent foundation for graduate training in ocean science and related disciplines.
Campus Resources
Ocean Initiative is an organization led by conservation-minded students passionate about protecting marine life. Some of our focuses include sustainable seafood, marine debris & eliminating single-use plastics, and climate change & ocean acidification.
Research Opportunities: Faculty in the Department of Marine Science undertake research in a wide range of topics from physics of the oceans to understanding the role of marine microbes in the global cycling of elements. Faculty individually accept students into their lab for research and opportunities vary depending on a variety of factors.
Coastal Study Away Programs: Participate in research at UGA's renowned Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. Explore the salt marsh, conduct fisheries sampling aboard an oceanographic research vessel, see nesting sea turtles, and dive into independent research projects. These programs are open to both UGA and non-UGA students, and are ideal for students pursuing degrees in biology, ecology, chemistry, geology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, and oceanography.
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations
UGA Mentor Program: Networking with your Bulldog family can help you get ahead in life and career, but where do you even start? The UGA Mentor Program narrows down the world of possibilities to meaningful connections. It personalizes the mentoring experience, connecting you with mentors that are just right for your commitment. There's a better way to network. Visit mentor.uga.edu today and find a mentor who can help you see your future.
Find alumni on LinkedIn who have graduated from UGA with their Anthropology degree. See what they are currently doing and how they got there!
Additional Career Research Resources
- O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.
- My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.
- Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.
- Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.
- UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.
- Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance.
- Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.
- Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.
Employment Websites
General
Professional Associations/Resources
The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellent (COSEE) has a useful resource listing career opportunities.
The Association for the Science of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) has good career advice.
This video shows interviews with women scientists in oceanography.
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Ocean Science majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Employer | Position Title(s) |
|---|---|
| Athens Veterinary Surgery Center | Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist | Edisto Beach State Park | Animal Care Specialist |
Possible Employers Who May Hire UGA Ocean Science Majors
Federal/State agencies | Non-governmental organizations | Peace Corps | Wildlife and nature centers
Possible Job Titles for UGA Ocean Science Majors
Conservation scientists | Environmental consultants | Environmental engineering technicians | Geological and petroleum technicians | Geoscientists | Zoologists and wildlife biologists
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Ocean Science majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Graduate School | Program(s) |
|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Unspecified Master's Program, MS |