Author: Melissa Maypole / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson
Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our list of the best value oceanography bachelor’s degrees online and on campus is the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, followed by San Jose State University.
- There are very few oceanography programs offered online. The University of Alaska, Fairbanks’ Bachelor’s in Fisheries and Marine Science is one of the few available.
- Pursuing a bachelor’s in oceanography is an excellent stepping stone on a path to an exciting career. Most jobs in the field require a master’s degree, as well.
This ranking explores the best value bachelor’s in oceanography degrees available both online and on-campus.
Featured Programs
Bachelor’s in oceanography students may study biological, physical, chemical, and geological oceanography. They may also choose to specialize in one of these fields. Oceanography is a hands-on course of study. It includes many opportunities for students to conduct research and field studies. A bachelor’s in oceanography can prepare students for a few entry-level positions in the field. Although most will need to follow up with a master’s program to qualify for oceanography jobs. This ranking explores the 10 top value schools for a bachelor’s in oceanography. This includes online oceanography degrees.
Rating Best Value Colleges for a Bachelor’s in Oceanography
Our editors used College Navigator to identify the initial 37 schools for a bachelor’s in oceanography. From there, we considered each school’s tuition and financial aid numbers. We also consulted program information from each school’s website. Using this ranking methodology, we identified the following 10 top-value bachelor’s in oceanography programs.
Types of Degrees Mentioned in this Ranking
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marine and Coastal Sciences
- BS in Marine Science
- Bachelor’s in Biology: Marine Biology
- BA/BS in Oceanography
- BS in Marine Biology
- Bachelor’s in Fisheries and Marine Science
#1—University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
Bachelor’s in Fisheries and Marine Science
Website
Points: 13
Tuition: $7,896
One of the few oceanographer schools offering online oceanography degrees, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks is home to an online Bachelor of Fisheries and Marine Science. Prospective students may pursue one of three optional concentrations:
- Fisheries
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
Regardless of concentration, all students will take classes to fulfill program requirements, including:
- Fish and Fisheries in a Changing World
- The Harvest of the Sea
- Chemical Oceanography
- Introduction to Marine Science
- Aquatic Ecology
- Physical and Chemical Properties of Seawater
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited UA-Fairbanks to award this online oceanography degree in marine science.
Pros:
- Student diversity
- Supportive campus community
Cons:
- Limited campus resources
- Few job opportunities
#2—San Jose State University
San Jose, California
BS in Marine Biology
Website
Points: 12
Tuition: $7,899
Students enrolled in the oceanography program at SJSU will take classes on campus and at Moss Landing, an offsite facility. The curriculum for the program consists of 34 credit hours of core courses intended to give students a deeper understanding of the world’s oceans. Some of these classes may include:
- Biological Oceanography
- Comparative Taxonomy
- Marine Life and Ecosystems
- Physical Ecology
- Functional Morphology
Students are also invited to select 17 credit hours of elective classes from options like:
- Marine Birds and Mammals
- Ocean Engineering
- Physical Properties of Seawater
- Quantitative Marine Science
- Global Warming and Ocean Acidification
- Ecological Field Sciences
- Ocean Floor Formation
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences
A total of 120 credit hours are required for this four-year undergraduate degree in oceanography. San Jose State is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Pros:
- Diverse student body
- Great on-campus resources
Cons:
- High student to faculty ratio
- Graduation rate is lower than the national average
#3 University of Alaska, Southeast
Juneau, Alaska
Marine Biology BS
Website
Points: 11
Tuition: $6,960
The oceanography degree from the University of Alaska, Southeast, is a bachelor’s in marine science. It has an optional emphasis in Fisheries Science. The comprehensive curriculum for the program emphasizes practical experience. It consists of 120 credit hours of coursework. Major courses include:
- Introduction to Marine Biology
- Animal Physiology
- Alaska Native Knowledge
- Ecology
- Physical and Chemical Properties of the Ocean
Graduates may qualify for a variety of jobs with oceanography degree programs like this one, including:
- Fisheries Biologist
- Marine Biologist
- Research Scientist
- Natural Sciences Manager
Students are also prepared for graduate school upon completion of the program. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Alaska-Southeast.
Pros:
- Smaller class sizes
- Accepts AP and dual credits
Cons:
- Graduation rate is higher than the national average
- Student debt after graduation is lower than the national average
#4—University of Washington, Seattle
Seattle, Washington
BA/BS in Oceanography
Website
Points: 11
Tuition: $12,242
The University of Washington, Seattle, offers a unique oceanography program featuring BA and BS tracks. Coursework for the two tracks is comparable and may include courses such as:
- Introduction to Oceanography
- Integrative Oceans
- Marine Geology and Geochemistry
- Marine Biogeochemical Cycles
- Remote Sensing and Data Analysis
The BS track also features a thesis requirement at the program’s culmination. UW-Seattle holds its accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Pros:
- Graduation rate is much higher than the national average
- Student debt after graduate rate is lower than national average
Cons:
- Large class sizes
- Acceptance rate is lower than the national average
#5—Florida International University
Miami, Florida
BS in Marine Biology
Website
Points: 10
Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University offers both a major and minor in marine biology. The robust curriculum features course titles such as:
- Physical Oceanography
- Marine Botany
- Ocean Currents
- Coastal Marine Conservation
- Field Methods in Marine Ecology
In addition to coursework, a field experience in marine biology is also required before graduation. High-achieving students may also consider applying for the honors track.
Pros:
- Country’s largest Hispanic Serving Institution
- Wide range of academic programming
Cons:
- Acceptance rate is lower than national average
- High student to faculty ratio
#6—California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
Website
Points: 10
Tuition: $6,884
Cal State, Long Beach, offers a BS in Marine Biology through the school’s Biological Sciences Department. The oceanography degree is taught by faculty members who hold PhDs in the field. Once enrolled, students will take general education courses and courses specific to the major. Some of these classes may include:
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Marine Mammalogy
- Animal Physiology
- Marine Organisms
- Physical Oceanography
Scholarships and grants are available to qualified CSULB students. The school also offers a master’s degree in oceanography for students who desire graduate study opportunities.
Pros:
- Great return on investment
- Affordable tuition
Cons:
- Limited resources
- Limited campus experiences
#7—California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, California
Bachelor’s in Marine Science
Website
Points: 10
Tuition: $7,323
The Cal State, Monterey Bay undergraduate oceanography degree is an interdisciplinary program. This Bachelor of Science offering features required courses such as:
- Introduction to Oceanography
- Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Plants
- Marine Ecosystems
- Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology
- Marine Ecology
Aspiring oceanographers at CSUMB also enjoy experiential learning through lab and field experiences. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has fully accredited Cal State, Monterey Bay.
Pros:
- Close-knit campus community
- Great location
Cons:
- Few academic programming options
- Small campus can lead to to lack of social interaction
#8—Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, Hawaii
Bachelor’s in Biology: Marine Biology
Website
Points: 9
Tuition: $6,250
BYU-Hawaii’s oceanography degree program is a BS in Biology with a minor in Marine Biology. Students in the marine biology minor will engage in the scientific study of marine animals in their natural habitat off the island of Oahu. Course requirements for this program may include:
- Marine Biodiversity
- Pacific Natural History
- Marine Biology
- Coastal Processes
- Marine Ecosystems
- Coral Reef Ecology
The WASC Senior College and University Commission has accredited BYU-Hawaii to award this ocean science degree for undergraduates.
Pros:
- Culturally diverse campus
- FInancial aid availability
Cons:
- The conservative campus culture may not be for everybody
- Administrative issues can be a challenge
#9—University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
BS in Marine Science
Website
Points: 9
Tuition: $6,410
The University of South Florida offers an undergraduate oceanography degree program. It can be completed through either its Tampa or St. Petersburg campus. This Bachelor of Science in Marine Science emphasizes contemporary issues in marine biology. You will also master practical skills such as research and data collection methods. Sample course titles include
- Physiology of Movement
- Introduction to Theoretical Ecology
- Managing Protected Areas
- Urban Ecology
- Marine Environmental Science
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited USF to award this oceanography degree at the undergraduate level.
Pros:
- Accepts AP and dual credits
- Graduation rate is higher than the national average
Cons:
- Student to faculty ratio is higher than the national average
- Acceptance rate is lower than the national average
#10—Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
BS in Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences
Website
Points: 9
Tuition: $13,762
Montclair State University offers an interdisciplinary oceanography degree. The program emphasizes the core sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Prospective students can expect to take classes, such as:
- Introduction to Marine Biology
- Principles of Biology: Organisms and Diversity
- Research in Aquatic and Coastal Sciences
- Oceanography and Climate Change
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Marine Geology and Plate Tectonics
MSU is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Pros:
- Location
- Great student resources
Cons:
- Graduation rate is lower than the national average
- Financial aid can be difficult to navigate
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- Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- PayScale.com