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.
In the Bachelor of Science program in ocean futures, students learn the processes governing global oceans, as well as threats to the ecosystems and human populations they support. It also provides a foundation in coastal and marine system science and focuses on the social, economic and equity aspects of ocean stewardship, including the integration of intergenerational and Indigenous values in developing blue economies, coastal and marine protection and management, land-sea interactions, community-based stewardship, the impact of fisheries on ocean health, and coral reef restoration. Students gain knowledge of integrated ocean science, but also cognitive skills in critical and futures thinking, information and digital literacy, and problem-solving. Students also develop interpersonal skills in civic and global responsibility and leadership, as well as the cultural sensitivity and empathy for diverse communities needed to become transformational leaders by working with communities, stakeholders and rights-holders to build skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, data analysis and communication.
Healthy human futures depend on healthy ocean futures, and vice versa. According to the United Nations, about 40% of the world's population presently lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. The flourishing of societies and the planet requires a holistic approach to support healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems in the face of a changing future. Addressing the growing challenges the ocean faces requires transdisciplinary study and use-inspired research that works toward culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship of the future oceans. The BS program in ocean futures is designed to grow the next generation of ocean stewards, community leaders, innovators and researchers and build capacity for transformational changes in societal perspectives and practices related to the oceans.
One of the benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to gain additional experience through hands-on, aquatic field opportunities. These aquatic opportunities are available in or near Arizona, as well as at ASU's Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i, and through study abroad in Antarctica. Additional costs may apply.
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:
College of Global Futures
- Location:
Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
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 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 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 across 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
4.7%
|
$49,650
|
|
|
3.9%
|
$87,300
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
5.8%
|
$48,380
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$67,430
|
|
|
5.2%
|
$83,930
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$75,990
|
School of Ocean Futures
|
WCPH 4th floor
CGFAdvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
