Undergraduate Preparation for a Career in Physical Oceanography

A survey of academic institutions, employers, and placement officers was undertaken to examine the desirability of undergraduate education in physical oceanography. This subject is approached from the viewpoints of graduate school admission and employability of degree recipients. The results of the study indicate that students anticipating careers in physical oceanography would do well to earn a bachelor´s degree in a basic physical science or engineering (rather than in physical oceanography). However, the results also indicate a need for elective introductory courses in physical oceanography.