<p>Any CC posters able to give my son & I an explanation of the main differences in these area of studies (Marine Science, versus Oceanography, versus Marine Biology) in an undergraduate program & what these programs would be preparing him for in the job market?</p>
<p>My son has said he is interested in Marine Biology...and, he is taking an oceanography class next year in high school...but, we are seeing that two schools are part of the Academic Common Market (offering in-state tuition to residents of other states that have reciprical agreement) to study Marine Science there. The specific schools are Coastal Carolina University and University of South Carolina, Columbia; of which we know nothing about their programs.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Marine science and oceanography are essentially the same thing. They consist of four subfields:
[ul][<em>]Marine biology (fairly obvious)
[</em>]Marine chemistry (the chemistry of the ocean, such as the study of dissolved ions)
[<em>]Marine geology (the geology of the ocean, such as underwater volcanology)
[</em>]Marine physics (the physics of the ocean, such as the study of current and wind patterns)[/ul]
The subfields are also known as biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, and physical oceanography. </p>
<p>I have always recommended that students interested in marine science major in a core science rather than marine biology/oceanography/etc. There are definitely benefits to attending a college with a strong marine program, however, because they offer great electives and relevant research opportunities. Be aware that any branch of oceanography requires at least a MS and typically a PhD. The sole exceptions are fields on the policy side – marine resource management, marine policy, fisheries management, etc. </p>
<p>As far as his options go, USC is decent. The College of Charleston has a better track record and should also fall under the Academic Common Market. Coastal Carolina has a fairly poor reputation relative to either. Other good programs in the South include:</p>
<p>Alabama
Auburn
Duke
Eckerd
FSU
Miami (best in the South)
Old Dominion
Texas A&M
UNC Chapel Hill
UNC Wilmington
USF</p>
<p>Other schools strong in the basic sciences - like UVA and William & Mary - are also excellent options.</p>
<p>Texas A&M only offers a minor in oceanography for undergrads however this minor coupled with a science like mentioned above would be excellent and is exactly what I am doing.</p>
<p>Thanks to all for the advice provided in previous posts. My S has been looking at all referrals & has found a couple he is interested in. </p>
<p>To follow up however, is anyone in a position to widen the recommendations to cover all the U.S. (and, even overseas)…and, to highlight any schools with good academic reputation for the B+ student?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>You should check out the 3.0-3.3 Parents thread, Jewish B Student thread, and the 3.0-3.3 Western Parents thread :)</p>