Ocean Futures ,BS
Biology, Climate, Community, Conservation, Culture, Environment, Marine Science, Planning, Sea, Sustainability, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecosystem, geography, resources, stewardship
The health of our oceans is critical to our future. Dive into a world of discovery and be part of the development of innovative solutions for thriving coastal communities and marine systems.
For students passionate about the ocean and who want to make a difference, the Bachelor of Science in ocean futures provides the skills needed to understand and help protect them. Students learn about marine ecosystems; ocean health; and how environmental, social and cultural factors all connect.
Topics studied in this program include coral reef restoration, sustainable fishing and coastal protection while learning how to include community perspectives and Indigenous knowledge. Through this degree, students build additional skills in problem-solving and leadership.
Hands-on experiences and field work opportunities are also available in Arizona, ASU's Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, ASU's Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i, or even a study abroad trip to Antarctica.
The program is designed for students to explore how the ocean works, understand the challenges it faces, and discover how science, society and leadership can work together to protect marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Rob Walton College of Global Futures
- Location:
Tempe
or
Online
,
ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Beyond these, students in the BS in ocean futures program have special opportunities to enhance their learning in locations like Bermuda, Hawai'i and Antarctica. Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
The BS program addresses the crucial role of healthy oceans and coastal communities in the future of the planet and human well-being. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in high demand across sectors such as county, state and federal agencies, along with nongovernmental and community organizations. Graduates are equipped to work collaboratively with diverse communities to become the next generation of leaders dedicated to stewarding coastal and marine resources.
Career paths include:
- conservation manager
- environmental consultant
- environmental scientist
- fisheries manager
- marine biologist
- marine educator
- marine research assistant
- marine research technician
- marine scientist
- natural resource manager
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.5%
|
$52,000
|
|
|
1.2%
|
$93,330
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$80,060
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$67,950
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$80,060
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$80,060
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$49,490
|
|
|
1.6%
|
$72,860
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$87,800
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$81,270
|
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 4th floor
CGFAdvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
