Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on the oceans, their contents and their boundaries. Degree programs are offered at the graduate level, leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in oceanography. In addition, various undergraduate courses are offered, and qualified undergraduate students may participate in a 15-credit minor in Oceanography. A minor consists of at least 15 hours selected from OCNG 251, 252, 285, 289, 401, 410, 420, 451, 485, 489 and 491. At least 6 hours must be upper division courses in the minor.

Oceanography is unusual as a graduate discipline. Whereas graduate programs in most disciplines lead to progressively greater degrees of specialization, oceanography as an interdisciplinary field takes graduates of biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, geophysics, meteorology or engineering and initially generalizes and broadens their education with a core of required courses. These core courses include the four subject areas of the oceanography program (biological, chemical, geological/geophysical and physical oceanography) and a seminar covering the state of the science. The student then refocuses in a particular subject area to pursue research and further study.

Effective study of oceanography requires a thorough undergraduate training in one of the pertinent undergraduate sciences, mathematics or engineering. During the undergraduate years, a student should consult with the oceanography faculty while enrolled in an appropriate undergraduate curriculum. In addition, the student should take advantage of the electives in the curriculum to ensure that at least one course is taken in biology, chemistry, geology, geophysics and physics, as well as OCNG 251, 252, 285 and 401, and, if possible, one more course from OCNG 410, 420, 451, 485, 489 and 491. All of these courses may be applied toward an undergraduate minor in Oceanography. For honors students, OCNG 251H, 252H, 285H, 289H, 401H, 485H, 489H and 491H are available.