To become an oceanographer, you need a formal education and a bachelor’s or graduate degree in oceanography or a related field. Specialize in areas like biological, chemical, geological, or physical oceanography. Gain hands-on experience and submit your resume to organizations and corporations for job opportunities.
For you to become an oceanographer, you are usually required to have a formal education and a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The first step is to look for a university or other institution that offers an oceanography degree. Required classes vary by institution, but are generally tailored to a specific area of study that you choose as your major. Along with classroom education, it is generally recommended that you gain hands-on experience in the field. Once you have the necessary education and experience to become an oceanographer, you can submit your resume to various organizations and corporations looking for job opportunities.
There are numerous educational institutions around the world that offer courses and degrees to help you become an oceanographer. Because oceanography is inherently multidisciplinary, you may be able to earn your bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. You can specialize in oceanography at the graduate level. While entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree, some employers require a graduate degree.
At certain universities, you need to select a specific area of oceanography as your specialty during your postgraduate studies to become an oceanographer. One area is biological oceanography, where you study marine life and biological processes. Another area is chemical oceanography, focused on the chemical composition of water and the bottom of the sea. Geological oceanography allows you to study the shape and materials of the seabed, as well as learn to predict geological events such as seafloor volcanoes. You can also choose physical oceanography to study ocean currents and apply physics principles to the ocean.
In addition to oceanography courses, there are other subjects that are beneficial for you to become an oceanographer. Math and computer classes are useful for learning how to create computer models and ocean simulations from collected field data. Hands-on experience with electronic and mechanical devices can help you gain skills that can be used for oceanographer tasks, such as maneuvering instruments along the ocean floor. Since some oceanography work is done at sea, you can get used to being on board a ship or diving underwater. You might also consider getting field experience working in a lab or assisting a professor with research.
Once you have a formal education and field experience, you may be ready to become an employer’s oceanographer. It can be advantageous to have letters of recommendation ready to send to employers, especially from people who have worked with you in a research capacity or during a hands-on experience. You can search newspapers, job posting sites or oceanography-specific sites for potential employers, or your educational institution can create an internship for you. Additionally, you can submit your resume to non-profit organizations, government agencies, or private sector companies that employ oceanographers. Universities also hire oceanographers for teaching or research opportunities.
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