by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, chemical and physical oceanography was the 572nd most popular major nationwide with 508 degrees awarded. This represents a 8.3% increase in chemical and physical oceanography degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 466.
Our 2023 Best Chemical & Physical Oceanography Schools ranking analyzes 17 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for chemical and physical oceanography students. Explore this or one of our many other custom chemical and physical oceanography rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Gain the analytical, technical and science communications skills you need to begin your career with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in chemical and physical oceanography is talking to others to convey information effectively. Required skills include understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
chemical and physical oceanography degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific chemical and physical oceanography careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Chemical & Physical Oceanography degree levels vary. Chemical & Physical Oceanography programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest chemical and physical oceanography degree you can get. Different chemical and physical oceanography degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to chemical and physical oceanography, with approximately 35.2% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for chemical and physical oceanography workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 36.4% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 29.3% |
| Doctoral Degree | 18.8% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 9.0% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5.4% |
61.8% of chemical and physical oceanography workers have at least a master's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in chemical and physical oceanography have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the chemical and physical oceanography career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your chemical and physical oceanography degree? Chemical & Physical Oceanography careers are expected to grow 11.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to chemical and physical oceanography.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Geoscientists | 36,500 | 14.1% |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Professors | 14,400 | 9.9% |
| Hydrologists | 7,400 | 10.4% |
As you might expect, salaries for chemical and physical oceanography graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for chemical and physical oceanography graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers chemical and physical oceanography grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Geoscientists | $107,800 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Professors | $101,890 |
| Hydrologists | $82,790 |
With over 81 different chemical and physical oceanography degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased chemical and physical oceanography school rankings to help you with this.
Chemical & Physical Oceanography is one of 6 different types of Geological & Earth Sciences programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geology & Earth Sciences | 6,024 |
| Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences | 767 |
| Geophysics & Seismology | 243 |
| Hydrology & Water Resources Science | 221 |
| Geochemistry | 49 |
