5th-Year Master of Oceanography

The 5^th-Year Master of Oceanography program is designed for URI students who want to enter GSO’s M.O. program while still an undergraduate and complete the degree in the year following completion of the Bachelor of Science.

Lauren Benoit ’16, M.O. ’17

Lauren Benoit, who has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s in oceanography, is traveling the world to film sharks with internationally known underwater cinematographers.

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A Master of Oceanography degree is a valuable credential for those interested in entering the following fields:

Ocean Environmental Management and Assessment
Marine Industries
Science Writing
Ocean Policy and Law
Education

Additionally, for students who want to continue their education and earn a doctorate in oceanography, marine biology or another aspect of marine science, this degree program is a tremendous option. Students taking the extra time to earn this Master Degree gain a distinct advantage in the job market when competing with students graduating with similar degrees at the Bachelor of Science level.

URI students accepted to the 5^th-Year M.O. program typically take one graduate level oceanography course during the fall semester of their senior year and two oceanography courses in the spring semester. Students then complete the remaining graduate degree requirements with two semesters of coursework the following school year.

To qualify for the 5^th-Year M.O. program, URI undergraduate students must:

Complete 60 undergraduate credits;
Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0; and
Earn a grade of B or better in each of the three prerequisite courses (or equivalent or AP credit):
- General Physics, PHY 111 or 203
- General Chemistry, CHM 112 or 192
- Calculus, MTH 132 or 142

Specializations

There are currently four unique specializations that are available within the 5^th-Year M.O. program.

Fisheries

Combines education in oceanography with practical training in fisheries management and is focused on fisheries in both developed and developing countries.

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Coastal Systems

Provides students with critical understanding of natural and anthropogenic processes in the coastal zone, and socio-economic characteristics of coastal communities.

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Ocean Technology and Data

This track trains students in marine robotics, seafloor mapping, sensor utilization, oceanographic data collection and processing, as well as maritime policy.

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