UGA Career Center

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/Considerations

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!

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

Candid Career (Recorded informational interviews of professionals in specific careers)
Firsthand (Company rankings/profiles, industry career guides, and advice articles)
Glassdoor (Salary research, company reviews)
Occupational Outlook Handbook
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