Education · 1 of 5

The path

A science degree first, then a graduate degree if you want to lead your own research.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Physics, chemistry, biology and as much math as you can take. Oceanography is not a separate subject yet, it is those four applied to salt water.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Physics, chemistry, geology, biology, math or a marine science degree. A pure science major with ocean electives keeps more doors open than a narrow marine program.

3. 3

   Research experience as an undergraduate

   1 or 2 summers

   A summer in a lab or on a research cruise. This is what gets you into graduate school, more than grades.

4. 4

   Master's degree

   2 years

   Enough for most agency, consulting and survey jobs. Often paid for by a research assistantship.

5. 5

   Doctorate

   5 to 6 years

   Needed to run your own research program, lead a lab or teach at a university. Funded, and long.