Master of Oceanography

Asynchronous Online | 30-Credit | 7-Week Sessions

Apply science and technology to real-world oceanographic challenges.

The University of Rhode Island’s Master of Oceanography (MO) is a unique, online program taught by world-renowned oceanographers at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

This 30-credit program delivers practical experience and in-depth knowledge aimed at enhancing your career in maritime companies (e.g., consulting, construction, shipping, resource and energy development), port management, the uniformed marine services (Navy, Coast Guard, and NOAA Corps), government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Taught in asynchronous 7-week sessions, students can earn their degree in two years while working full-time, maximizing flexibility and convenience for career enhancement and professional growth.

Spring 2024 Dates

11/28APPLICATION DEADLINE

1/9CLASSES BEGIN

$856TUITION PER CREDIT* *Based on 2023 rates and subject to change

Courses include:

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

Admission Criteria

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
- 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

Two letters of recommendation
College Transcripts from all institutions attended
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.

View from the aft of a research vessel cruising in ice during sunset with text overlay that says "No GMAT Required"

“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to take classes with leaders in the ocean science and technology from anywhere on the globe. Students will work directly with world-renowned oceanographers, gaining in-depth and broad practical knowledge that will propel their careers.”
Arthur Spivack, Ph.D.
Professor of Oceanography, Graduate School of Oceanography

Program Outcomes

Gain knowledge, advance your career, and explore the world’s oceans with URI Online’s Master 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

Online M.O. Suits Busy, Industrious Professionals

“Surfing the web” may seem like a quaint phrase in 2023, but in the premillennial era, it spoke to a vastness shared between the oceanic and the online. Back then it was thrilling that the internet couldn’t be exhausted. Today that prospect is more exhausting than exhilarating.