Career Opportunities in Oceanography: Courses, Admission, Employment, and Salary

For those interested in studying the ocean and its surroundings, the field of oceanography is the finest career choice. Want to learn more about the employment opportunities, potential for advancement, and pay in the oceanographic field? Learn more about how to become an oceanographer.

Oceanography: What is it?

The study of ocean currents, waves, the geology of the ocean floor, and the physical characteristics of the ocean and its borders falls under the umbrella of oceanography, which is also known as oceanology. It is the study of anything connected to the ocean. Oceanography is the “study of oceans,” to put it simply.

The study of the ocean is separated into four branches: geological oceanography(marine geology), biological oceanography (marine biology), chemical oceanography (marine chemistry), and physical oceanography (marine physics). The scientists that study the ocean are known as oceanographers. Oceanographers work in the mining, shipping, fishing, coastal development, weather forecasting, and climate change fields.

Scope

Our world has a need to learn about the many oceans, which is why there is a growing need for oceanographers. The oceanographers research the ocean’s waters and how they affect weather, marine life, and other factors. Oceanographers can operate in a variety of sectors, including the oil business and conservation.

Depending on the expertise in this area of study, job responsibilities change. An eligible oceanographer should begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree and any necessary work experience. Jobs are needed because of the necessity to manage water resources and safeguard the environment.

Courses and Eligibility

Several colleges and universities in India provide postgraduate study in this area. The majority of oceanographers have master’s and doctoral degrees in the subject. In its simplest form, oceanography is a research area. Below is a list of the best courses available in this area:

Master’s Programs

Master of Science in Oceanography (M.Sc.)

Master of Science in Marine Biology

Master of Technology in Ocean Engineering

M.Tech in Ocean Technology

Doctoral Programs

Master of Philosophy in Marine Biology

PhD in Oceanography and an M.Phil. in Chemical Oceanography

Conditions for Eligibility

Applicants with a B.Sc. in Zoology/ Botany/ Chemistry/ Fishery Science/ Earth Science/Physics/ Agriculture/ Microbiology/ Applied Sciences or a related discipline are eligible to pursue an M.Sc. in oceanography.

B. Tech or equivalent degree/AMIE (Associate Member of Institution of Engineers) in Civil Engineering/ Environmental Sciences with 60% marks is required for admission to the M.Tech programme. Individuals with an M.Sc. in the related discipline are also qualified.

For Doctoral programmes: You need a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline to pursue a Ph.D. or M.Phil in oceanography.

Application Procedure

The majority of universities and institutions provide entrance exams for admission. Applicants must take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering if they want to pursue an M.Tech. in oceanography. Many institutions hold their own entrance exams to choose students for their Ph.D. programme.

Below is a list of universities that offer oceanographic courses

Department of Physical Oceanography: Cochin University of Science and Technology

Anna University, Institute for Ocean Management, Chennai

National Institute of Oceanography, Goa

Annamalai University, Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Tamil Nadu

Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa

Employment Opportunities

An oceanographer’s work is typically focused on research. In the ocean, they carry out surveys, gather samples, and perform data analysis. For those working as professionals in this industry, there are numerous job options.

Oceanographers can find employment in both the public and private sectors. Professionals in this industry can join as scientists, engineers, or technicians according to their skills and knowledge. Also, one may get employment with government agencies like the Department of Oceanography, Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, etc.

You can work as a scientist, engineer, or technician after earning your entire degree in the public, private, and various governmental sectors. Candidates can access professional prospects in Oil India as well as the public sector. Applicants can get work in the government sector at places like the Department of Oceanography, Meteorological Survey of India, and Geological Survey of India, among others.

There are numerous colleges and research centres where you can pursue research studies. It also offers a variety of work opportunities in research. In the majority of reputable institutions and universities, candidates can opt to become teachers.

Necessary Skills

Strong mathematics and scientific abilities.

You ought to be familiar with the various oceans in various regions.

Excellent problem-solving and practical capabilities.

You need to have research skills in order to learn about the entire properties of the specific ocean.

Good observational abilities are required.

You must possess strong interpersonal skills in addition to thorough knowledge of computer programmes including digital mapping, remote sensing, and computer modelling.

It is necessary to have solid knowledge of the aquatic environment.

When it comes to publicising specific findings, written communication abilities are absolutely essential.

Those with a master’s or doctoral degree in oceanography can potentially pursue a career in teaching.

Oceanographers have the option of moving abroad. They will obtain a well-paid position in the UK.

Work Responsibilities of an Oceanographer

to research, plan, and coordinate oceanic operations

to gather information for upcoming records.

Test the theory and enhance it further.

Write up papers and reports based on your results.

Make decisions about the ecosystems and resources of the coast and the sea.

An oceanographer might be called

Marine biologist

The marine chemist

A marine physicist

Marine geologist

How much does an oceanographer earn?

The starting monthly compensation for an oceanographer in India is between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. Your pay will depend on your experience and area of specialisation. Oceanographers can find attractive pay packages in other nations like the US, UK, and France. In another country, they are paid between $50,000 and $80,000 annually.