What is an Oceanography Degree?
Oceanography is a broad, multidisciplinary science that attempts to unlock the mysteries of the oceans that cover 70% of our planet. Students in Florida Tech’s oceanography degree program study and apply biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, physics, and math toward a better understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics, geophysical fluid dynamics, seafloor geology, and more.
Whether you want to develop a new way to restore wetlands and shorelines, design and manage parks and sanctuaries, or solve the mystery of red tides, and oceanography degree from Florida Tech develops a strong background in oceanography, engineering, and technology.
Why Pursue an Oceanography Degree at Florida Tech?
The Florida Tech oceanography program is the only oceanography program in the country that is integrated with ocean engineering, environmental science, and meteorology programs.
Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio — Personalized Attention
Oceanography students can expect small classes and the opportunity to work with faculty addressing a variety of environmental challenges (such as beach erosion, air pollution, and the preservation of endangered species). The program’s reputation as one of the leading oceanography colleges and its proximity to a variety of scientific agencies and marine ecosystems means you can also expect to build valuable field experience off-campus.
Unlike other oceanography colleges, Florida Tech students enjoy small classes. They also benefit from working closely with faculty, students, and staff from a variety of disciplines. The department also has an outstanding reputation among employers, many of whom are alumni.
Students Learn from those Preserving, Protecting, and Enhancing Natural Resources
The Department of Ocean Engineering and Sciences has an integrated collaboration of faculty members from environmental science, oceanography, meteorology, and ocean engineering. Florida Tech’s professors have a keen interest in preserving, protecting, and enhancing natural resources, staying active in research, and sharing their current knowledge and experiences in their classrooms. Many students volunteer in faculty research labs or conduct experiments, do field sample studies, and create computer simulations with faculty guidance.
Their research areas include:
- Offshore oil spills
- Antarctic oil drilling
- Water and air quality
- Sea-level rise
- Drinking water resources in Florida
- Managing environmental resources
Located in the Heart of Florida’s High-Tech Corridor
Florida Tech is the perfect place for a BS in Oceanography. The 130-acre campus is located on the Space Coast (so named because of the presence of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral just north of us), minutes away from the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America.
The area has the fifth-largest high-tech workforce in the country, with more than 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations located nearby. This workforce also provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities.
Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches, and a short trip to the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks. We also have a rich campus life that includes a wide range of intramural and collegiate sports, clubs, and social activities.
Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations
Beyond the classroom, oceanography majors build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships and participation in academic organizations like Sigma Xi (a scientific research society), the Marine Technology Society, student government, and over 100 other campus-wide student organizations.
The newly formed Florida Tech Environmental Club helps promote “green” living and encourages environmentally-friendly practices through educational events and campus cleanups.