Arizona State University has launched two undergraduate degrees in its School of Ocean Futures. The school is the fourth in the university’s College of Global Futures, a program designed to prepare students to thrive and make a positive impact on the planet they will inherit.
The School of Ocean Futures focuses on the current and future states of the world’s oceans, and addresses the negative affects human activity is having on them. Both degrees are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards and innovators. The degrees are available through ASU Online in addition to in-person on the Tempe campus.
The Bachelor of Science in ocean futures broadly explores the natural processes of the ocean and human impacts on ocean health while addressing global marine challenges. Additionally, students will take courses on stewardship and partnership to develop a practical understanding of the social and economic dimensions of ocean health.
The Bachelor of Science in ocean futures has a concentration in coastal and marine science management emphasizes quantitative approaches to solving coastal and marine issues. This option is for students planning to pursue graduate studies, such as ASU’s online master’s in coastal and marine science and management.
“Our new BS programs will provide a unique curriculum that includes, in addition to marine biology and ocean science, courses on ocean conservation, ocean communities, ocean stewardship and partnerships,” said Susanne Neuer founding director of the School of Ocean Futures. “Online students also have access to a wide array of field courses, for example at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.”
The Blue Economy describes economy that depends on sustainable use of ocean resources. These degrees will help prepare the skilled workers this industry will need to preserve the health of the oceans while driving economic growth and supporting thriving communities.
Typical careers from ocean futures students include:
Marine science and research
Conservation and environmental management
Ocean policy, governance and advocacy
Marine technology and innovation
Fisheries and ocean economy
Science communication and education
Water-quality management
Field and adventure careers
Faculty from the School of Ocean Futures teach from three different locations: Arizona, Hawai‘i and Bermuda and students have access to optional hands-on opportunities in Hawai‘i, Bermuda, Mexico and more.
“Study abroad courses are transformative experiences for learners, and they’re really fun too,” said Sharon Hall, associate dean of the College of Global Futures. “These field opportunities are especially important for online students, giving them a chance to dive beneath the surface of their coursework to immerse in community and hands-on experiences that bring marine science and sustainability challenges to life.”
