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What is the best area in the U.S for oceanographers?
I am a rising senior and have been exploring future career options. I have always been drawn towards the water, so I have been thinking about going into oceanography. I know that it is competitive and want to get the best experience/education that I can. Where in the U.S. would I find the most work or the best schools? #oceanograpy #july20
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Karina’s Answer
I want to start off by saying that it isn't location that matters as much as the opportunities available to you when you are in college. Also differentiating between oceanography, marine science, and marine bio programs and what interests you most. Lots of universities have programs, but I encourage you to look at the partners that a university has, what organizations are located nearby that you want to become involved with and how that aligns with your interests. If you're more interested in tropical/coral reef environments, Miami or Hawaii might be your best options. For kelp forests/marine mammals, California would be a great option - if bathymetry/sea floor mapping is what you want to pursue, the monterey bay has a submarine canyon that is explored by both Cal State Monterey Bay and UC Santa Cruz and you can volunteer hands on with rehabilitating marine mammals in moss landing. By no means do you need to decide exactly what you want to do for your career now, because you'll figure that out in college but going with your gut interests helps you pick what location is best
From mine, my friend's and coworkers experiences (in no particular order):
-Cal State Monterey Bay - close to MBARI
-UC Santa Cruz
-UC San Diego - Scripps Institue of Oceanography
-University of Hawaii - Manoa
-University of Miami
-Boston University
Determine your top interests in the ocean sciences field
Research which schools have that major/program
Compare the schools you have narrowed down to, and research what opportunities they have on campus and in the community
From mine, my friend's and coworkers experiences (in no particular order):
-Cal State Monterey Bay - close to MBARI
-UC Santa Cruz
-UC San Diego - Scripps Institue of Oceanography
-University of Hawaii - Manoa
-University of Miami
-Boston University
Karina recommends the following next steps:
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Alicia’s Answer
I second looking at the California schools. UCSD Scripps Institute is Oceanography is one of the best in the US and will open a lot of doors for you. I personally know two people who graduated from there and they get to travel to different parts of the world and conduct research for months. Take a look at their website and look at their majors and research projects they’re currently conducting. I would also recommend to aim for the long term goal of getting a Master’s and get involved in research during undergrad for sure.