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Chemical Oceanography (Ocean & Earth Science, B.S.)

The chemical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of chemical oceanography. Chemical oceanography is the study of the behavior of the chemical elements in the oceans and marine sediments and how they are affected by physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes. Students in the chemical oceanography concentration are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry by taking the appropriate 300- and 400-level classes in the chemistry department.

Chemical Oceanography (Ocean & Earth Science, B.S.)


Description


What is Chemical Oceanography at ODU like?

The chemical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of chemical oceanography. Chemical oceanography is the study of the behavior of the chemical elements in the oceans and marine sediments and how they are affected by physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes. Students in the chemical oceanography concentration are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry by taking the appropriate 300- and 400-level classes in the chemistry department.

Program Highlights


What makes Chemical Oceanography at ODU unique?

  • The program provides students with the necessary training for employment with a B.S. in a wide range of federal, state, local and private venues.

  • The program provides students with the necessary background for graduate work in oceanography, marine science, analytical chemistry, and environmental science.

  • Small class sizes at the upper division level means students work closely with faculty in their discipline as a part of their undergraduate experience.

  • The program is unique in the state of Virginia.

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

$98,560

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

$93,010

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

$93,710

MEDIAN SALARY


Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

$105,830

MEDIAN SALARY


Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

NOAA, US Navy (civilian workers), EPA, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (and similar agencies in other states and in local municipalities), US National Science Foundation, NGO’s such as the Nature Conservancy, and a wide range of private environmental consulting companies.

Courses


What are some courses offered in Chemical Oceanography at ODU?

OEAS 310:
Global Earth Systems


MUST TAKE LECTURE AND LAB

OEAS 441:
Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I


Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses, data interpretation and integration, and group report preparation and presentations. Focuses on development of research questions and site selection, field sampling, sample analyses and interpretation. Oral presentations of results will be made by each student. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 and OEAS 310; CHEM 123N and CHEM 124N, BIOL 123N or OEAS 303; PHYS 112N or PHYS 232N; MATH 212; STAT 310; all prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

OEAS 442W:
Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II


Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses, data interpretation and integration, and group report preparation and presentations. Focuses on site selection and evaluation mapping, sampling, and sample analyses. Oral presentations of results will be made by each student. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C; OEAS 441.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Chemical Oceanography at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Chemical Oceanography should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • Students must first declare the Ocean and Earth science major, chemical oceanography concentration, with the chief departmental advisor (CDA).

  • Entering students should be prepared to take MATH 211 (Calculus I), although students with math deficiencies can take remedial math classes as needed (e.g., MATH 102M, 103M, 162M, 163 or 166, as needed; note that all of these courses will not necessarily be required before taking MATH 211; please consult the catalog or CDA for details).

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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PROFESSOR & EMINENT SCHOLAR


Name:

David J Burdige


Location:

439 OCEANOGRAPHY&PHYSICS BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-4930


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

Related Programs


What other options does ODU have?

Programs



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