Earth Sciences: Ocean Mapping (M.S.)

A degree option in Ocean Mapping is for students with interests in hydrography and hydrographic survey technology who wish to prepare for careers in such areas as federal and institutional marine research, federal and international positions in hydrographic surveying, the environment, private sector offshore mineral resources exploration industries, and marine hardware and software development. The study of ocean mapping is a key niche in the ocean technology field.

Hydrography, in the context of this program, is the measurement and definition of the configuration of the bottoms and adjacent land areas of oceans, lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water areas, and the tides (or water levels) and currents that occur in those bodies of water. It includes elements of both physical oceanography, and surveying and mapping.

Ocean mapping is a broader concept that includes not only the elements of hydrography, but also encompasses such topics as the geologic characterization of the seabed and the mapping of living resources and habitats.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to the M.S. program is expected to have demonstrated competency in the following college courses: one year of calculus, one semester of chemistry, and at least three additional semesters of chemistry, physics, and/or biology. In addition, the applicant is expected to have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or the biological sciences. Students still working to strengthen a particular component of their foundational coursework may be admitted provided they are prepared to complete courses, in addition to their graduate degree requirements, as needed. The program of study a student wishes to follow and the student's undergraduate major determine the level of preparation necessary. The preparation of each student is determined before the beginning of the first semester in residence in order to plan the course of study. Each entering student is assigned an academic adviser to assist in planning a program of study.

More information is available from the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM), which oversees this degree program.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

Students in the thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 30 graduate credits, which include the credits accumulated in the core curriculum. Students in this option must complete a master's thesis (6 credits) and give an oral presentation of the results.

Non-Thesis Option

Students in the non-­thesis option must satisfactorily complete at least 34 graduate credits, which includes the core curriculum, a 2­-credit directed research project (ESCI 898 Directed Research), and a written and oral presentation of that research.

Ocean Mapping

The core curriculum for the option in ocean mapping normally includes:

Students may fulfill the Category A (professional) International Federation of Surveyors/International Hydrographic Organization/International Cartographic Association (FIG/IHO) Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors by completing some additional specialized requirements.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and technologies in ocean mapping that results in sufficient expertise to conduct substantive supervised research.
• Review, critically evaluate, and synthesize published research in the Earth sciences and related fields of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Develop testable research questions and implement a rigorous study using appropriate methodologies to generate findings, develop evidence-based interpretations, and reach well-supported conclusions.
• Prepare written manuscripts in a scientific style of English that meets the level and standards of leading academic journals, and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Clearly convey research findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences through oral and written presentations supported by appropriate digital media.
• Demonstrate collaboration and leadership in creating a productive and welcoming work environment that is supportive, inclusive and equitable.
• Make effective contributions to university, community and professional service.