What is Oceanography and Oceanic
Sciences?
Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences deal with the
chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world’s
oceans at all levels. It is an interdisciplinary science that
includes studies of the chemistry of seawater, tides and
currents, the sediments and underlying crustal
structures of the ocean floor, and marine flora and
fauna.
What do Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences
students learn?

Like other scientists, oceanographers collect and interpret
data, design experiments and equipment, and advance theories
in an attempt to predict patterns and solve problems.
Students also learn to work with the technology—including
sonar, autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs), and computer
programs—involved in the study of the Earth’s oceans. They
may choose to specialize in geological, physical, chemical or
Atmospheric science programs may be combined with a
variety of other programs such as chemistry, physics,
computer science, and geology to enhance postgraduate
studies or marketability in the workplace.
Provinces and Universities in Canada offering
Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs

British Columbia

Newfoundland

Quebec

Nova Scotia
Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic
Sciences Programs in British Columbia

Oceanography
Graduate Degree University of British Columbia
Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic
Sciences Programs in Newfoundland

Physics and Physical Oceanography
Undergraduate Degree Memorial University of Newfoundland

Masters/PhD in Physical Oceanography
Graduate Degree Memorial University of Newfoundland
Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic
Sciences Programs in Quebec

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Graduate Degree McGill University
Undergraduate Degree McGill University
Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic
Sciences Programs in Nova Scotia

Oceanography
Undergraduate Degree University of King's College

Oceanography
Undergraduate Degree Dalhousie University

Graduate Studies in Oceanography
Graduate Degree Dalhousie University
Prerequisites Needed to Study Oceanography and
Oceanic Sciences in Canada

Admission requirements usually similar to those of a
general B.Sc. program;

recommended that students have a strong background in math
and science courses. Calculus and/or other advanced math
courses should be taken at the high school level.
(Much of the work of professional oceanographers is pursued
aboard ship or in laboratories. Beyond academia, there are also
widening opportunities in industry, commerce and research for
skilled environmental scientists such as oceanographers.
Depending on a student’s specialization, oceanography
graduates may pursue careers in a wide range of fields, or use
their studies as a foundation for careers in economics, politics,
education, public policy and law. )

UBC offers a careers page relating specifically to
oceanography:
https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/major.cfm
?go=view&major=52

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is a major
employer of oceanographers:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/. Their employment page is
here: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/faq-qer_e.htm#2.2

Dalhousie has a jobs in oceanography links site,
though most of the links are more general:
http://www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/hotlists/jobs.html