The physical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of physical oceanography. Physical oceanography is the study of physical conditions and physical processes in the ocean, especially the transport and physical properties of ocean waters (particularly heat and salt).
Program Highlights
The program provides student with the necessary training for employment with a B.S. in a wide range of federal, state, local and private venues
The program provides students with the necessary background for graduate work in oceanography, marine science, applied math and environmental science
Small class sizes at the upper division level means student work closely with faculty in their discipline as a part of their undergraduate experience
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
$105,830
Median Salary
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,010
Median Salary
Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
$98,560
Median Salary
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
$51,160
Median Salary
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.
Alumni Careers
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Navy
Environmental Protection Agency
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
U.S. National Science Foundation
NGO's such as The Nature Conservancy
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Physical Oceanography at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Physical Oceanography should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
Students must first declare the Ocean and Earth science major, physical oceanography concentration, with the chief departmental advisor (CDA). Entering students should be prepared to take MATH 211 (Calculus I), although students with math deficiencies can take remedial math classes as needed (e.g., MATH 102M, 103M, 162M, 163 or 166, as needed; note that all of these courses will not necessarily be required before taking MATH 211; please consult the catalog or CDA for details).
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
General survey of physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography. The application of skills from…
OEAS 306
Oceanography
General survey of physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography. The application of skills from mathematics, geology, physics, biology and chemistry for the solution of oceanographic problems. Prerequisites: MATH 211 or MATH 205, BIOL 121N or BIOL 136N and BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, CHEM 121N-CHEM 122N, OEAS 111N, and PHYS 111N or PHYS 231N.
Core course for ocean and earth sciences majors that examines the processes linking the Earth's atmosphere,…
OEAS 310
Global Earth Systems
Core course for ocean and earth sciences majors that examines the processes linking the Earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere into an interactive system. Prerequisites: BIOL 121N or BIOL 136N, BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, CHEM 121N, CHEM 122N, and OEAS 111N, all with a grade of C or better.
Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses,…
OEAS 441
Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I
Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses, data interpretation and integration, and group report preparation and presentations. Focuses on development of research questions and site selection, field sampling, sample analyses and interpretation. Oral presentations of results will be made by each student. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 and OEAS 310; CHEM 123N and CHEM 124N, BIOL 123N or OEAS 303; PHYS 112N or PHYS 232N; MATH 212; STAT 310; all prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit$250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit$408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
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With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
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