Curriculum - B.S. or Minor in Oceanography
The Oceanography and Natural Sciences Department offers courses in chemistry, physics and life sciences to support all Cal Poly Maritime Academy students.
These courses allow Maritime Academy students to fulfill the CSU General Education requirements (Area 5) or complete foundational work within their major area of study.
Students build a scientific foundation through coursework in:
- Chemistry — general chemistry, plant processes, biochemistry
- Physics — general physics (algebra and calculus-based) mechanics, electricity and magnetism
- Life Sciences and Oceanography — marine biology, ecology and earth system processes
B.S., Oceanography
Choosing the Oceanography major means joining a community where learning extends beyond the classroom. Our interdisciplinary curriculum is grounded in the physical and life sciences and is supported by strong training in quantitative and practical skills.
As a prospective student, you can expect:
- Hands-on learning: Field trips to San Francisco Bay and coastal marine ecosystems, vessel-based research and lab-based analysis and data synthesis
- Interdisciplinary opportunities: Connections to engineering, computer science and policy
Leadership development: Focused on self- and social awareness, recognition of strengths, values and the impact of one’s actions on others - Professional Experience: Eight-week professional internship with state and federal natural resource agencies, universities, ocean technology companies and conservation organizations
- Research opportunities: Strong emphasis on undergraduate research through collaboration with Cal Poly Maritime faculty in laboratory, field and applied science projects
- Global perspectives: Global educational opportunities in ocean science
- Career preparation: Alumni pursue roles in environmental consulting, oceanographic research, education, resource management and government agencies
- Graduate readiness: Our curriculum and research training provide an excellent foundation for advanced degrees in oceanography, marine science, climatology and related fields.
Minor in Oceanography
The 16-unit minor in Oceanography is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of ocean science and stewardship. Coursework includes an introduction to marine biology or ecology, two semesters of general oceanography, and a lab experience and 6 units of specialized upper division coursework.
For more information, contact Dr. Alexander Parker (aparker@csum.edu).
Choose one of these lower courses (3 units):
- OCN 100 Marine Biology (3 units)
- OCN 110 Marine Ecology (3 units)
Take these two lower division courses (6 units):
- OCN 200 Oceans I Geol. / Chem. Ocean (3 units)
- OCN 210 Oceans II: Phys. / Biol. Ocean (3 units)
Choose one of the labs below (1 unit):
- OCN 100L Marine Biology Lab (1 unit)
- OCN 110L Marine Ecology Lab (1 unit)
- OCN 200L Oceanography Lab (1 unit)
- COM210L Programing for Oceanography (1 unit)
Choose any two upper division elective OCN courses (6 units):
- OCN 310/310L Ocean Instruments and Analysis (3 units)
- OCN 320 Oceans and Climate† (3 units)
- OCN 330 Marine Microbial Ecology (3 units)
- OCN 340 Chemical Oceanography (3 units)
- OCN 350 Physical Oceanography (3 units)
- OCN 410 Phycology (3 units)
- OCN 420 Marine Invasions Science (3 units)
- OCN 440 Intro to Ocean Remote Sensing (3 units)
All students completing the minor must complete MTH 100 or equivalent (as a pre-req for OCN 200,OCN 210).
We encourage you to explore sample courses, connect with our faculty and visit campus to see Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s Learn by Doing philosophy in action.