Oceanography
Bailey College of Science and Mathematics - Cal Poly Solano Campus
Immerse yourself in ocean science at the heart of the San Francisco Estuary — the largest on the West Coast. This degree program combines strong scientific foundations with hands-on learning through field research, global study opportunities and professional development.
Discover Oceanography
Study and Work on the Ocean
Turn curiosity into expertise as you explore the systems that shape our oceans. By integrating biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanography, you’ll gain a comprehensive perspective and apply it to real-world challenges through insight, action and impact.
Working closely with faculty and staff in a tight-knit community, students benefit from Cal Poly’s proximity to Bay Area research partners and the technology industry, as well as state agencies and policymakers in Sacramento.
Where Can Oceanography Take You?
Set Sail on Your Career
An oceanography degree gives you a strong foundation in marine science and technology, providing you the tools to become an expert on the ocean and related systems so you can help solve its biggest problems and be part of its biggest opportunities. Explore opportunities in fields like:
- Coastal and marine resource management
- Ocean technology and the Blue Economy
- Government affairs and environmental policy
- Graduate school, teaching and academia
Dive into Science
Take your education beyond the classroom and into the water. Tackle pressing challenges in today’s marine environments through mentored research that builds skills in hypothesis testing, data analysis and scientific inquiry. As an oceanography student, you’ll complete coursework that will send you around the world to practice what you’ve learned aboard an oceangoing vessel.
Learn by Doing
From the start, you’ll get your hands on real research projects and your feet wet with scientific studies on and in the water. As an oceanography major, you’ll join hydrographic surveys of the San Francisco Estuary. You’ll also help operate shore stations and oceanographic buoys and maintain and operate modern oceanographic instruments. Working closely alongside faculty, you’ll master lab techniques while contributing to observational studies of local marine environments.
Global Perspectives
Through international experiences focused on ocean literacy and stewardship, you'll have the opportunity to study abroad and explore diverse marine ecosystems. There are exciting opportunities to study abroad and explore new places and their diverse marine ecosystems. Whether you focus on tropical marine systems in Central America or conduct oceanographic work aboard our training ship, your view of the world and its oceans will broaden and change forever.
Faculty and Staff
As a student in our oceanography program, you’ll join a family-like community of dedicated faculty, staff and scientists. Each are experts in their fields and available to provide close and connective mentorship throughout your time in the Oceanography and Natural Sciences Department. Most importantly, our faculty and staff care about your growth, success and passion, and they’re ready to help you reach your goals.