Oceanography

Associate of Arts (Option A)

About

Oceanography is an earth science devoted exclusively to studying and preserving the ocean. Oceanography includes exploration of the geological structure of the ocean floor; the chemical composition and properties of seawater and pollutants; the physical study of waves, tides and currents; and biological research of the innumerable forms of life within the oceans.

At TCC you can earn an Associates of Arts degree that will prepare you to transfer to a four institution and pursue a Bachelor’s in Oceanography. TCC has designed its program specifically to allow student to transfer to the University of Washington School of Oceanography.

Get Started

Contact one of our academic advisors to help design your path to accomplish an Associate of Arts degree to transfer in this field.

Ralph Hitz, Instructor and Faculty Advisor

Email Ralph Hitz

Degree Program

Your guided path toward earning your degree

While in high school, students should pursue all available courses in math, chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science. Once at TCC, students can take many of the supporting sciences that transfer institutions require for their oceanography degrees. Students can also take a variety of TCC earth science classes to introduce them to the different facets of the field and explore what type of oceanography they want to pursue.

There are not many institutions across the country that offer oceanography degrees. In Washington there is only one: the University of Washington, Seattle. Oceanography programs that are out of state may have degree requirements that differ significantly from UW Seattle.

A Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degree from TCC is a great way to start your oceanography education. Upon transfer to UW Seattle, all 90 credits of your TCC degree are applied towards your bachelor’s degree. If you decide to delay transfer, or not transfer, then you still have an associate’s degree with a strong science record on your transcript.

Students are urged to visit the UW Seattle School of Oceanography undergraduate education website and read about the different bachelor’s degrees that the School of Oceanography offers. Academic plans at TCC can be tailored to the individual needs of each student while still adhering to the requirements for the AA DTA degree. In rare cases, TCC offers an Associate of Science degree that might provide the best fit for an aspiring oceanography student. See the oceanography advisor, Ralph Hitz, for help with your academic plan at TCC.

CORE REQUIREMENTS
With a degree in Oceanography, you have many career options:
- Geophysicist
- Physical and chemical oceanographer
- Marine biologist
- Marine and ocean engineer
- Marine archaeologist
- Marine policy expert
Career Explorer

Fascinated with other earth science programs at TCC?

We offer several more degrees.

Environmental Science

Associate of Science - Specialization in Environmental Science

Environmental science is the study of the interaction of humans and the physical and biological systems of the earth, and the dependence on natural resources by humans. At TCC, you can earn an Associate in Science with Specialization in Environmental Science. Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution.

Learn more

Geology

Associate of Science - Specialization in Earth Sciences or Associate of Arts (Option A)

Study the materials and processes of the earth. Students can earn this degree to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.