Oceanographers

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview: Oceanographers are a type of geoscientists that study the physical and biological composition of the ocean. In general, they study the circulation of ocean waters, physical or chemical properties of the ocean, and the affect of these properties on climate, weather, and coastal areas. Oceanographers can focus on a variety of topic from biology and ecosystems to plate tectonics and seafloor geology. The study of the ocean environments contributes to better understand climate change, so they tend to be involved in environmental preservation or projects to clean the ocean. Oceanographers must plan and implement field studies to collect samples, conduct tests, and write reports based on their samples. They usually work in the public sector for state and federal government, or they work for universities and non-for-profit organizations.

Geographers at work: Physical geographers, Environmental geographers, Climatologists

Recommended College Courses: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing, Introduction to Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Water Resources, Water Resources Planning, Oceanography, Fluvial Processes, Water Policy, Environmental Hazards

Skills: GIS, Remote Sensing, Geospatial technology, Climate and weather forecasting, Quantitative Methods, Environmental Mapping and modeling, Field methods

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Oceanographers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm