An oceanographer is a scientist who studies the ocean and the creatures that live in it. Many people believe that all oceanographer jobs entail studying marine animals, swimming in the ocean, and sailing on boats. This is not the case. Most oceanographers, however, do not have such glamorous jobs. The majority of oceanographers spend their days researching pollutants in the water, sediment levels in the water, and other scientific issues.
Oceanography is divided into four categories. Biological oceanography, physical oceanography, geological oceanography, and chemical oceanography are the four types of oceanography. Jobs for oceanographers differ depending on the type of oceanography a scientist has studied.
Biological oceanography jobs are concerned with the study of marine life and how it responds to pollutants in the environment. When most people think of oceanography, this is the type of oceanographer that comes to mind. Biological oceanography, unfortunately, is a competitive field with few job openings.
Ocean currents and tides are dealt with in physical oceanography jobs. They are concerned with the study of ocean climates, weather, and the transmission of light and sound through water. This branch of oceanography also studies the connection between the sea and the weather.
The study of the ocean floor and the rocks and sediment that make it up is known as geological oceanography. A geological oceanographer investigates ocean fossils and the evolution of the ocean floor over time. This type of oceanographer also looks into ocean floor erosion.
Chemical oceanography jobs are concerned with the investigation of chemicals in the sea. This type of oceanographer works out how to get chemicals out of the water. Chemical oceanography is also concerned with the effects of pollution on ocean water and the marine life that inhabits it.
A bachelor’s degree in oceanography, math, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics is required before becoming an oceanographer. Because a large part of an oceanographer’s job is to write reports and proposals, aspiring oceanographers should take enough English and writing courses. Students should also take a speech course because oceanographers give oral presentations.
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree go on to graduate school to pursue an advanced degree in oceanography. Future oceanographers with a graduate degree have the option of working in research or teaching. Students with a doctorate or master’s degree have more career options than students with only an undergraduate degree.