Marine studies

B.A. or B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$366 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

There is a rich history of human connection to the world’s oceans and coastlines, as evidenced by centuries of art, literature and culture. And when you earn a bachelor’s degree in marine studies online from Oregon State University, you’ll explore social, political and cultural issues of marine systems through the lens of the humanities, arts and social and natural sciences.

Offered online by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts, this program weaves together social sciences with the humanities and is grounded in a meaningful understanding of marine natural science. Expand your critical and creative thinking skills while engaging with and learning from a diversity of cultures including Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and other global communities.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online marine studies degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online marine studies degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world experience in the field.

  • Marine ecology
  • Critical thinking
  • Cultural resource management
  • Scientific reasoning
  • Communication
  • Marine environmental justice
  • Ethical reasoning
Aerial view of a marina and ferry terminal in a coastal town. Boats, buildings and a densely-forested area are visible.
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

With a marine-centric learning lens on social, political, and cultural issues of the coasts and oceans, you’ll examine historic and contemporary issues, such as sustainable fisheries, pollution and climate change, with perspectives from faculty in the humanities, arts, and sciences.

The online marine studies program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your marine studies degree, including:

Aerial view of a coastal landscape with beaches, an inlet, and surrounding grassy fields under a blue sky

Additional program features

This program requires 8 credits of coastal learning coursework. To promote experiential learning opportunities, an optional 4-credit internship may count towards your coastal learning requirement. The physical location of the internship can be in your local area, if you prefer.

This program gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree plan to match your interests. Here are some examples of potential themes you could explore:

  • Social justice in coastal communities
  • Indigenous studies
  • Marine environmental law and policy
  • Coastal arts and humanities
  • Marine resource management

This program is designed for students who are seeking expertise in liberal arts methodologies to address challenges and opportunities for coastal and ocean sustainability. It’s a good option for students who care deeply for the marine environment but don’t want a deep-dive into the science, marine biology, math or chemistry that marine science requires. 

Students who earn this marine studies degree can work within community organizations and agencies, helping to provide sustainable solutions to complex ecology issues. One could even work alongside scientists on research vessels, providing interdisciplinary insight to complement the science.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings, from a microcredential in Indigenous studies to an undergraduate certificate in global learning.

Careers related to marine studies

As job opportunities related to the blue economy continue to rise, earning your marine studies degree online from Oregon State will give you the skills to build an impactful career. Aligning yourself with OSU’s global expertise in marine studies will prepare you for careers connected to marine policy analysis, environmental policy, marine communications, marine conservation and more.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to marine studies. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.