2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Oct 07, 2024  
2023-2024 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Oceanography, B.S.


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Humboldt’s students have the advantage of living in an ideal natural environment for marine studies, close to both the ocean and a number of estuaries and lagoons. Cal Poly Humboldt has a fully equipped marine laboratory in the nearby town of Trinidad and a research vessel docked in Humboldt Bay, allowing students to supplement classroom learning through laboratory and seagoing experiences and field trips.

Flexible coursework and experiences allow students a variety of choices while still providing an education of considerable breadth, an understanding of fundamental concepts unique to oceanography, and an appreciation of how concepts from allied fields interrelate. The intent is to develop an interdisciplinary train of thought essential for understanding the marine environment.

Participants also study in depth a science related to oceanography, such as geology, chemistry, physics, or biology. This program allows a student to:

  • prepare as an ocean scientist to collect, process, and aid in interpreting scientific data collected on oceanographic cruises and other fieldwork conducted by federal, state, educational, or private institutions and agencies;
  • prepare for graduate study in oceanography or a related science by acquiring a broad, sound science background;
  • secure a broad science background and sound fundamental education (for those with an interest in the major who do not intend to use it as a career).

Humboldt’s program prepares ocean scientists who collect, process, and interpret scientific data. Graduates excel in these careers: oceanographer, research assistant, marine biologist, marine products salesperson, aquatic biologist, marine geophysicist, hydrologist, water pollution technician, environmental specialist, scientific officer, hydrographic surveyor, earth scientist, aquatic chemist.

Students should have a good background in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Competence with computers and a language other than English is recommended. 

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

Requirements for the Major (81 Units)


The Upper Division Area B General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the major.

Mathematics/Physics Course Group


Complete one of the following two groups.

Group One Elective Requirement (11 Units)

Complete an 11-unit package of approved electives, tailored individually to the student’s educational goals. Besides satisfying the major requirement, the elective package commonly leads to completion of a minor in a related field of study.

Group Two Elective Requirement (13 Units)

Complete a 13-unit package of approved electives, tailored individually to the student’s educational goals. Besides satisfying the major requirement, the elective package commonly leads to completion of a minor in a related field of study.

Program Learning Outcomes


  1. Utilize scientific concepts from biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and mathematics to understand fundamental oceanography processes and functions.
  2. Employ appropriate sampling, laboratory, and computer techniques to collect, measure, and interpret ocean information.
  3. Integrate conceptual and technical understanding to address complex interdisciplinary problems in oceanography.
  4. Utilize reading, writing, and oral skills to effectively communicate oceanographic information

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