Because it merges many disciplines, oceanography requires a greater breadth of knowledge than most sciences. To satisfy eligibility requirements for graduate study at Scripps, a high school student should plan his or her college curriculum to provide a solid foundation in science and mathematics. At the same time, high school students should become familiar with admission requirements at accredited colleges and universities. Eligibility at UCSD is covered in a free leaflet entitled Introducing the University, available from Office of Admissions University of California, San Diego Dept. 0021-A 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla CA 92093-0021.

Undergraduate work in marine sciences or general oceanography is possible at a few schools. Most graduate schools recommend, however, undergraduate preparation in basic science without specialization in oceanography.

Undergraduate Preparation for Oceanography

Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers graduate instruction leading to a Ph.D. in oceanography, marine biology, or earth sciences. Students therefore enter a doctoral program, though a master’s degree may be granted under special arrangements. Candidates for admission to Scripps must have an outstanding grade point average and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the physical, biological, or earth sciences, with a degree in mathematics or engineering science acceptable in some cases.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the selected major, basic undergraduate work should include the following subjects: mathematics, through integral and differential calculus; at least one year of physics with lab, using calculus in its exposition; at least one year of chemistry with lab; and one additional year of either physics or chemistry. Applicants are required to submit scores on the aptitude tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) given by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey. Applicants planning to pursue marine biology are also required to take the advanced biology test of the GRE.

Curricular Programs at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Students at Scripps typically concentrate on one of several curricular programs within the institution. Eight curricula are now offered, and each has recommended undergraduate preparations.

Applied Ocean Sciences is an interdepartmental approach to purposeful and useful intervention in ocean processes. The aim is to produce oceanographers who are knowledgeable in modern engineering, and engineers with specialized knowledge of the ocean. Instruction and research focus on mechanical, electrical, and physiological problems of operating within the ocean, and upon applied marine environmental science.

Preparation: A major in physical science or engineering science, including three years of physics or applicable engineering, and three years of college-level mathematics.

Biological Oceanography students study interactions among populations of marine organisms within the context of their physical and chemical environments. This is an interdisciplinary program of study, including physical oceanography, marine chemistry, and marine geology, in addition to biology.

Preparation: Two years of chemistry, including general and organic. One course in geology and one year of either general biology, zoology, or botany. One course in each of the following disciplines: systematics (e.g., invertebrate zoology), population biology (e.g., ecology), and functional biology (e.g., comparative physiology).

Climate Sciences is an interdisciplinary program focused on the earth’s climate system, emphasizing the physical and chemical interactions of the atmosphere, ocean, land, ice, and biosphere. The program encompasses present and future changes induced by human activities, as well as paleoclimatic changes on time scales of thousands to millions of years. The aim is to produce scientists who can cross the boundaries of traditional earth science disciplines to understand the climate system as a whole.

Preparation: A major in physics, chemistry, or other physical science is preferred. Geology or biology majors should also have a strong background in mathematics and physical science.

Geochemistry and Marine Chemistry is concerned with the chemical processes operating within the marine environment–the oceans, atmosphere, and seafloor.

Preparation: A major in chemistry, geology, biochemistry, or a related field.

Geological Sciences emphasizes application of the observational, experimental, and theoretical methods within the basic sciences to understanding the solid earth and the solar system.

Preparation: A major in one of the earth sciences, or physical or inorganic chemistry. Physical chemistry and calculus are required. Preparation beyond the minimum in mathematics, physics, and chemistry also is recommended.

Geophysics applies experimental and theoretical methods of physics to fundamental problems in the atmosphere, oceans, and the interior of the earth, as well as in the solar system.

Preparation: A major in physics, mathematics, or equivalent.

Marine Biology is the study of marine organisms, their development and adaptations, as well as physiological and biochemical processes, genetic relationships, and ecology. Several prominent areas of modern biology are encompassed and interpreted through an understanding of the physical and chemical dynamics of the ocean.

Preparation: A major in one of the biological sciences (or equivalent) with basic courses in botany, microbiology, or zoology. Two years of chemistry, including organic, with biochemistry and physical chemistry. Also recommended is knowledge of several of the following: cellular biology, molecular biology, comparative physiology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, comparative anatomy, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbiology, and botany.

Physical Oceanography deals with the mechanisms of energy transfer through the ocean and across its boundaries, and with the physical interactions of the ocean with its surroundings. It includes studies of waves, tides, currents, thermal relationships, sediment transport, acoustic and optical factors, the influence of surf on nearshore currents, and transfer of sediments.