Oceanography Department
Ocean health and human health are inextricably linked
Welcome to the Oceanography Department at Cabrillo, a hub of learning dedicated to the mysteries of our world's oceans. Whether you complete the Marine Science Certificate of Achievement, take OCEAN-10 as your general education lab science course to transfer to CSU or UC, continue on to the project-based OCEAN-20, take the weekend field course OCEAN-30, or join us for a morning beach clean-up, we’re glad to have you as part of the Oceanography Department!
Living along Monterey Bay, we engage directly and personally with beach erosion, intertidal ecology and kelp forests, seasonal upwelling and harmful algal blooms or "red tides," and ocean chemistry changes. Our courses emphasize experiential learning. Students are empowered to become stewards of our oceans, equipped to confront pressing issues like overfishing, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. By engaging in hands-on fieldwork around Monterey Bay, research projects, interactive online coursework, and community action, we offer many options for developing a deep connection to the marine world.
What is Oceanography?
Oceanography is the science of the ocean. Oceanographers work on ocean biology and ecosystems, seafloor volcanoes, beach erosion, ocean currents, rogue waves, El Nino, climate and sea ice, and many other topics!
Where will Oceanography take me?
Training in oceanography can lead to a rewarding a career in a wide variety of fields such as research, education, engineering/consulting, and policy. Students can transfer to a UC or CSU to complete their undergraduate degree. However, many oceanographers find their passion for the ocean while majoring in one of the other STEM fields such as Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Math, Physics, or Engineering. Some decide to continue in graduate school and earn an M.S. or Ph.D. in Oceanography.
CSU Marine-related degrees include CSUMB Marine Science B.S., Humboldt Oceanography B.S., Cal Poly SLO Marine Science B.S., and SFSU Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, B.S.
UC Marine Science and Oceanography degrees include UCB Marine Science B.A., UCSB Ocean Science B.S., UCD Marine and Coastal Science B.S., UCSD Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences B.S., and UCLA Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences B.S.
See a counselor or the Department Chair for more specific information about the Marine Science Certificate of Achievement and educational pathways to a career in Oceanography.
Oceanography Resources
Join our department Canvas page for transfer/job/internship opportunities, and more! Students of all majors are welcome!
