Breadcrumb
Careers & Alumni
Whether you decide to go to graduate school or enter the workforce, you’ll be well-prepared for that next step in life.
After graduating with a B.S. in Oceanography, our alumni go on to pursue their masters or Ph.D. programs at some of the world’s best graduate schools. Others pursue a variety of private sector and governmental careers.
In fact, over 80 percent of our graduates get jobs related to their Oceanography degree at oceanic research companies, science centers, public and environmental health departments, and government agencies.
Whatever you decide to do, your foundation in science and oceanic studies will help you get to where you want to go.
Related Job Titles
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist. Some require further education.
- Oceanographer
- Marine Biologist
- Aquatic Biologist
- Marine Resource Specialist
- Biological Technician
- Ocean Technician
- Research Assistant
- Laboratory Assistant
- Biophysicist
- Physical Science Technician
- Physical Oceanographer
- Chemical Oceanographer
- Chemist
- Geological Oceanographer
- Geophysicist
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Water Pollution Technician
- Meterologist Assistant
- Hydrographic Survey Technician
- Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician
- Scientific Diver
- Deck Support Technician
- Science Officer (NOAA)
- NOAA Corps Officer
- Seismic Engineer
- Coastal/Ocean Engineer
- Environmental Specialist
- Museum/Aquarium Manager
- Aquaculture Technician
- Marine Products Sales Rep.
Possible Employers
Private & Non-Profit
- Ocean Research Companies
- Marine Surveyors
- Petroleum Companies
- Aquariums
- Aquaculture Industry
- Sea Labs
- Chemists
- Hydrographic Survey Companies
- Marine/Oceanographic Engineers
- Water Quality Labs
- Water Pollution Control Service
- Science Centers
- Environmental Organizations
- Environmental Consulting & Engineering Firms
- Oceanographic Instrumentation Manufacturers
- Shelf Survey Companies
- Geologists
Federal Agencies
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
- NOAA Corps
- National Ocean Survey
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- Federal Maritime Commission
- Sea Grant Program
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Minerals Management Service
- Bureau of Land Management
- National Park Service
- National Aeronautics & Space Administration
- Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Smithsonian Institute
- Department of the Navy
- Peace Corps
State, County & Local Agencies
- Department of Water Resources
- State Water Resources Control
- Board
- Coastal Commission Department of
- Water Resources
- Department of Fish & Game/Wildlife
- Department of Conservation
- Flood Control Districts
- Public Health Departments
- Mosquito Abatement Districts
- Universities & Colleges
- Wastewater Treatment Districts
Marketable Skills
Communication
- Writing precise technical reports
- Working as part of a team
- Teach and give lectures
Recording & Interpreting Data
- Categorizing specimens & experiments
- Forecasting marine ecosystems
- Excellent observations & recording skills
- Analyzing microscopic samples
Technical Skills
- Excellent grasp of geology, biology, chemistry, math & marine sciences
- Ability to use diving equipment and submersible vehicles
- Collect samples of natural resources from the sea and shorelines
- Use of technical instruments to collect data
Computer Skills
- Perform simulations with numerical/computer modeling
- Strong IT skills
- Working with statistical packages & mathematical models to analyze data
Meet our Alumni
Alumni Updates
Jay Brandes
OceanographyChemistry, 1988
Jay Brandes recently gave a talk titled “Microplastics: A Local Problem with a Local Solution” at the 2022 TEDx Savannah Event. He is presently a Professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia Athens, working out of UGA’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah Georgia. His work encompasses a variety of areas including nutrient and carbon cycling, biogeochemistry, and marine pollution. This fall (2022) he will begin teaching an Oceanographic Cruise course for Marine Science majors, and hopes to impart the knowledge he gained having experienced a similar transformational course in his education at HSU.
Carrie Leonard
Oceanography, 1992
After 20 plus years of research and managing research operations, Leonard has moved to implementing policy to address Climate Change and Racial Justice at the Oregon State Legislature. She's excited to move to implementing ideas instead of answering questions.
Gary Coyne
Oceanography, 1973
Gary Coyne worked for 40 years as a scientific glassblower, with over 30 years at Cal State University, Los Angeles. While working at CSULA He wrote the book "The Laboratory Companion" and had a wonderful career helping to make both glass apparatus used in general labs and many one-of-a-kind apparatus used by chemists, geologist, biologist, and physicist. He retired in 2015 and since then has gone deeper in his hobby of woodworking and has spent more time on his bike. He also helps Adobe in their forums answering questions on things like Lightroom, Photoshop, Acrobat and other related programs. In addition he still provides support to the national organization ASGS (American Scientific Glassblowers Society).