Oceanography for MS and PHD? My school doesn't have an undergraduate program for oceanography so I have two choices, geology or earth sciences. I will be going onto graduate school for oceanography and eventually obtain a phd in oceanography so I'm wondering which would better plan me to do the type of work that is required when studying oceanography?
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Should I major in Geology or Earth Sciences in college if I want to study
- Thread starter optimist
- Start date
Earth Science is a crap degree. Its too generalized, and you will have a hard time finding a good paying job with that. You will be a "jack of all trades but a master of none". Geology is more specialized, and that is what companies want.
As for your grad program in Oceanography, it really depends on what aspect of Oceanography you want to get in to. If you want to study marine organisms and ecosystems, you should probably major in Biology for your undergrad. If you want to study the sea floor and plate tectonics, major in Geology. If you want to study waves, tides, fluid dynamics, mixing, major in Physics.
As for your grad program in Oceanography, it really depends on what aspect of Oceanography you want to get in to. If you want to study marine organisms and ecosystems, you should probably major in Biology for your undergrad. If you want to study the sea floor and plate tectonics, major in Geology. If you want to study waves, tides, fluid dynamics, mixing, major in Physics.
olp_rocks03
New member
Honestly, either one would probably be fine. However, I think if you went the Earth Sciences route you may get more diversity in your classes such as more Meteorology/Oceanography type classes in addition to the Geo courses.
At my school however, the Earth Sciences degree was only part of the Secondary Education program so make sure that it's NOT part of the teaching program, that is unless you want to pursue teaching of Oceanography I suppose.
At my school however, the Earth Sciences degree was only part of the Secondary Education program so make sure that it's NOT part of the teaching program, that is unless you want to pursue teaching of Oceanography I suppose.
I would go geology (and I did). It is a more immediately marketable degree than earth science (depending on which sub-discipline of geology you go into, more marketable than others). In case you don't get to the oceanography degree quickly, geology is probably better. Further... oceanography and marine geology are really cool, but there's essentially no market for the skill and knowledge. Again, I worked in engineering geology for a few years right out of college, and when I had a good position in the company, I went to a local private school for a masters in marine geology, a fascinating subject. But *boring* in school. I quit, saved my money, and continue to enjoy marine geology as a hobby and interest.
It is almost safe to say that you will never get a decent paying job with any degree in oceanography, no matter how high, unless you "know someone."
It is almost safe to say that you will never get a decent paying job with any degree in oceanography, no matter how high, unless you "know someone."