Physical Oceanography (Ocean & Earth Science, B.S.)
The physical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of physical oceanography. Physical oceanography is the study of physical conditions and physical processes in the ocean, especially the transport and physical properties of ocean waters (particularly heat and salt).
Physical Oceanography (Ocean & Earth Science, B.S.)
Description
What is Physical Oceanography at ODU like?
The physical oceanography concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students considering employment or graduate work in the field of physical oceanography. Physical oceanography is the study of physical conditions and physical processes in the ocean, especially the transport and physical properties of ocean waters (particularly heat and salt).
Program Highlights
What makes Physical Oceanography at ODU unique?
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The program provides student with the necessary training for employment with a B.S. in a wide range of federal, state, local and private venues
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The program provides students with the necessary background for graduate work in oceanography, marine science, applied math and environmental science
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Small class sizes at the upper division level means student work closely with faculty in their discipline as a part of their undergraduate experience
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The program is unique in the state of Virginia
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Ocean and Earth Science
Concentration:
Physical Oceanography
Degree Level:
Undergraduate
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.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
$51,160
MEDIAN SALARY
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.
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 Physical Oceanography at ODU?
OEAS 306:
Oceanography
General survey of physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography. The application of skills from mathematics, geology, physics, biology and chemistry for the solution of oceanographic problems. Prerequisites: MATH 211 or MATH 205, BIOL 121N or BIOL 136N and BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, CHEM 121N-CHEM 122N, OEAS 111N, and PHYS 111N or PHYS 231N.
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.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Physical Oceanography at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Physical Oceanography should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Students must first declare the Ocean and Earth science major, physical 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?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
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PROFESSOR & EMINENT SCHOLAR
Name:
David J Burdige
Location:
439 OCEANOGRAPHY&PHYSICS BLDG, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
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.
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
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