Ocean Futures, BS
Protect the marine systems our planet depends on with an ocean futures degree built for students focused on coastal resilience, ocean health and conservation. Channel your drive and applied knowledge to safeguard the world's oceans within a meaningful career.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Ocean Futures degree description
For those of you passionate about the ocean and who want to make a difference, the Bachelor of Science in ocean futures provides the skills needed to understand and help protect them. You learn about marine ecosystems; ocean health; and how environmental, social and cultural factors all connect.
In this program, you study coral reef restoration, sustainable fishing and coastal protection while learning how to include community perspectives and Indigenous knowledge. Through this degree, you build additional skills in problem-solving and leadership.
Hands-on experiences and field work opportunities are also available in Arizona, ASU's Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, ASU's Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i, or even a study abroad trip to Antarctica.
In this program, you explore how the ocean works, understand the challenges it faces, and discover how science, society and leadership can work together to protect marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Why study ocean futures at ASU?
Study where geography is no barrier at Arizona State University. Available both in person and online, this program gives you the opportunity to learn from ocean scientists working in Tempe, Bermuda and Hawai¿i, gain hands-on field experience through partnerships and develop transdisciplinary skills to address marine and sustainability challenges wherever your career takes you.
Additional details
Beyond your coursework, you can tap into a range of opportunities through the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, along with hundreds of study abroad options and student organizations across the broader ASU community.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| SEA 101 Ocean Futures |
| SEA 201 Ocean Conservation |
| SEA 220 Biology of the Marine Environment |
| SEA 325 Oceanography |
| SEA 485 Ocean Futures Workshop |
| SEA 496 Ocean Futures Capstone |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply key stakeholder engagement skills in advancing healthy ocean systems with partners.
- Write a decision-focused analysis about an ocean science challenge with recommendations for action.
- Effectively communicate their co-produced ocean science work and its value to diverse audiences, using appropriately selected media.
Apply key stakeholder engagement skills in advancing healthy ocean systems with partners.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Beyond these, students in the BS in ocean futures program have special opportunities to enhance their learning in locations like Bermuda, Hawai'i and Antarctica. Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technician | 7.4% | $57,510 | Learn more |
| Biologist | 4.7% | $98,920 | Learn more |
| Climate Change Analyst | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Specialist | 6.9% | $55,090 | Learn more |
| Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 3.6% | $76,780 | Learn more |
| Life Scientist | 6.3% | $93,750 | Learn more |
| Sustainability Specialist | 3.9% | $83,050 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this ocean futures degree prepares you for
The BS program addresses the crucial role of healthy oceans and coastal communities in the future of the planet and human well-being. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in high demand across sectors such as county, state and federal agencies, along with nongovernmental and community organizations. Graduates are equipped to work collaboratively with diverse communities to become the next generation of leaders dedicated to stewarding coastal and marine resources.
Career paths include:
- conservation manager
- environmental consultant
- environmental scientist
- fisheries manager
- marine biologist
- marine educator
- marine research assistant
- marine research technician
- marine scientist
- natural resource manager
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 4th floor
CGFAdvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
