2 answers
Sheffield
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
3
Questions
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How can I prepare in high school for a career in environmental science and oceanography.
I would like to major in environmental science and a minor in oceanography. What courses should I take in high school to prepare myself for college? #environmental-science #oceanography
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2 answers
Josh Smith
Manager Loss Control, Safety, Environmental
18
Answers
Alexandria, Tennessee
Updated
Josh’s Answer
The previous answer covers it well, I would add that math and statistics are also valuable courses. Often in this type of work you are collecting a lot of data and using data to help define some of your work. Having a good understanding of math and statistics can help you to decipher data or create usable data for others.
Anne Harvey
Environmental Scientist at Philadelphia Water Department
37
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anne’s Answer
You should take basic science courses including: biology, chemistry and physics. If there are other science electives it might be helpful to take an environmental science course and courses that deal with ecology. Environmental science and oceanography are very broad fields. You can specialize in many different areas. There are the physical aspects (hydrology, marine geology, etc.) or biological (fisheries, algae, etc.) or chemical (ocean water chemistry, salinity, etc.) Depending on what aspects of environmental and marine science you are most interested in, that can guide you when deciding what courses to take, but taking all the basic science courses your high school offers is important and will show the college admissions people that you are prepared and serious about studying science at the college level.
You should also look at some colleges that have good marine science programs. That will also give you an idea of what courses are available and maybe help narrow down your interests. If you have a chance to travel in the summer, you should try to visit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod. The University of Rhode Island also has a very good program and isn't too far from the Cape. They have a separate marine science campus that might be worth a visit. You could contact their public education/public affairs office to see about taking a tour or meeting with other students or faculty. The websites should have information about prospective students and planning a visit. Best of luck with your education.
Here are some links:
https://www.whoi.edu/
https://www.uri.edu/programs/program/marine-biology-b-s/
https://www.uri.edu/programs/program/environmental-science-management-b-s/
You should also look at some colleges that have good marine science programs. That will also give you an idea of what courses are available and maybe help narrow down your interests. If you have a chance to travel in the summer, you should try to visit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod. The University of Rhode Island also has a very good program and isn't too far from the Cape. They have a separate marine science campus that might be worth a visit. You could contact their public education/public affairs office to see about taking a tour or meeting with other students or faculty. The websites should have information about prospective students and planning a visit. Best of luck with your education.
Here are some links:
https://www.whoi.edu/
https://www.uri.edu/programs/program/marine-biology-b-s/
https://www.uri.edu/programs/program/environmental-science-management-b-s/