Overview

Gain knowledge, advance your career, and explore the world’s oceans with URI Online’s Master of Oceanography taught by world-renowned oceanographers at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

Through this program, students will use their foundational knowledge to further their understanding of all oceanographic disciplines, paired with advanced studies on a topic of the student’s choosing.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate a command of the fundamental principles of oceanography
• Understand the current state of oceanic problems and technologies
• Have an ability to create and apply solutions linking the science to policy and management practices
• Have developed a proficiency in communication with the ability to discuss scientific and technical issues with diverse audiences

Courses

Required Courses (At least 3 of the following 4 Core Courses)
OCG 501: Physical Oceanography
OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography
OCG 540: Geological Oceanography
OCG 561: Biological Oceanography
OCG 591: Independent Study
OCG 592: Independent Study

Elective Courses (At least 5 of the following)
OCG Core Course (from the list above)
OCG 506: Numerical Models and Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences
OCG 533: Graduate Writing in Marine and Environmental Sciences
OCG 555: Modern Oceanographic Imaging and Mapping Techniques
OCG 601: Ocean Resilience
EVS 505: Environmental Leadership
EVS 509: Web-Based Mapping I
EVS 514: Environmental Data Management and Visualization
EVS 518: Sustainable Natural Resource Management
EVS 519: Natural Resource Management Planning
DSP 552: Computer-Based Data Exploration
DSP 553: Mathematical Methods for Data Science
DSP 555: Multivariate Statistical Learning for Data Science
NRS 570: Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management
NRS 571: Techniques in Geospatial Analysis
NRS 572: Advanced Topics in Geospatial Data Visualization
NRS 573: Emerging Technologies in Geospatial Data Collection

Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887

Admissions

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or a similar field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States
• CV/Resume
• A personal statement discussing:
  • Your interest in Oceanography
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • College Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Why you chose to apply to this online program at URI
  • How your professional and/or career goals match with the Master of Oceanography degree program
  • Any relevant work experience

If English is not your native language*, you’ll need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores (taken within the last two years). A minimum score of 91 for TOEFL under the new IBT-Internet Based Test or 575 under the paper-based testing, and a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required. The URI Designated Institution code for TOEFL is 3919.

*Because students participating in URI Online programs are not required to physically study on campus in the United States, enrollment in a URI online program does not qualify for an F-1 visa.