Ocean Futures (Coastal and Marine Science) ,BS
Biology, Climate, Community, Conservation, Environment, Global, Planning, Sea, Sustainability, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, chemistry, ecosystem, geography, resources, stewardship
The health of our oceans is critical to our future. Dive into a world of discovery where science and research meets action. Join a community of problem solvers to understand the challenges our oceans and coastal communities face and create practical solutions for a sustainable, thriving planet.
In the Bachelor of Science in ocean futures with a concentration in coastal and marine science, you study marine biology, ocean chemistry and ecosystems, as well as learn how the ocean interacts with the climate. This program also trains you in the skills of tech literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving that can be applied across a variety of impactful career fields.
You can dive into research on coral reefs, ocean dynamics and coastal ecosystems. Hands-on experiences and field work opportunities are 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.
The BS in ocean futures with a concentration in coastal and marine science is designed to prepare you to be a part of the next generation of ocean innovators, leaders and stewards working to protect this blue planet.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Rob Walton College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Ocean Futures (Coastal and Marine Science) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply key quantitative analysis skills for research in advancing healthy coastal communities and marine systems.
- Write an analysis of a coastal or marine systems challenge, grounded in academic research and scientific literature with recommendations for action.
- Effectively communicate their co-produced coastal and marine science work and its value to academic audiences, using appropriately selected media.
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 across 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 ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
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 graduate studies or careers in oceanography, marine science and conservation. They are ready for professional roles in high demand across sectors such as county, state and federal agencies, along with nongovernmental and community organizations.
Graduates 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
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$98,920
|
|
|
33.5%
|
$120,230
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$55,090
|
|
|
1.6%
|
$76,780
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$93,750
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$83,050
|
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Program term definitions
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.
