Make The Ocean Your Office: 5 Majors For Ocean Careers

Make the Ocean your Office Whether you prefer to be underwater, on the water or by the beach, there are ocean careers out there for students passionate about the world’s oceans. From the oceanic depths to the atmospheric ceiling, there are ocean-focused majors besides marine biology available for scientists, engineers and activists. Ocean Careers in Meteorology Majoring in meteorology is more than preparing for a position at a news organization in front of a green-screen. Meteorologists are out in the field, on and above the ocean, tracking hurricanes, weather patterns and manning ocean-side weather stations. Florida Tech students pursuing a degree in meteorology are able to use the ocean and the nearby Indian River Lagoon as their lab. In the field, students visit the nearby beaches to take measurements, deploy weather balloons and conduct research. %CODE1% Ocean Careers in Ocean Engineering Whether you want to be underwater, on the water or on the beach, a degree in ocean engineering offers students the opportunity to truly make the ocean their office, in whatever capacity they desire. Students interested in ocean careers can pursue specializations in aquaculture engineering, coast engineering and processes, hydrographic engineering, materials and structures, naval architecture, ocean energy, ocean instrumentation and underwater technology. Florida Tech students pursuing a degree in ocean engineering design new technologies in the classroom and deploy and test them in the ocean. Students often find themselves onboard research vessels launching their designs and getting their scuba gear on to test their technology. %CODE2% Ocean Careers in Aquaculture Aquaculture, a biological sciences specialization, involves the farming of aquatic organisms for various applications like supplying the demand for ornamental fish (think fish tanks) and developing alternative fuels with algae. Aquaculture labs are often close to the ocean and require ocean-related field work. Florida Tech students pursuing a degree in aquaculture have access to the Vero Beach Marine Lab. Situated on four oceanfront acres, researchers, students and private companies are working together to farm aquatic organisms like seahorses, pompano and shrimp. %CODE3% Ocean Careers in Oceanography Oceanography is a broad, interdisciplinary field with researched focused on ocean currents and waves, coastal processes, planktonic organism, marine meteorology, hydro acoustic applications and trace metal pollution identification and distribution. Oceanographers often work on research vessels and on the coastline gathering samples and logging data. Florida Tech students majoring in oceanography can specialize in biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, coastal zone management, geological oceanography and physical oceanography. Additionally, students find easy access to one of the best labs in the world, the Atlantic Ocean. %CODE4% Ocean Careers in Environmental science Environmental scientists lead the pack when it comes to conservation efforts around the globe. Keenly aware of the environment’s relationship with both natural and man-made occurrences, environmental scientists research specific cause-and-effect relationships and help develop action plans. Florida Tech students majoring in environmental science can specialize in coastal engineering, hydrographic engineering, marine vehicles (naval architecture), marine materials and corrosion and underwater technology. Additionally, students are able to spend their research hours in the Indian River Lagoon, working with local, national and international organizations to help solve some of the most complex issues facing the planet. %CODE5%

Related Articles

Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase Ready to Amaze

Florida Tech Again Earns ‘Military Friendly School’ Designation

Florida Tech Earns STARS Silver Rating for Sustainability

Ranking: Florida Tech No. 2 Among State’s Private Colleges and Universities