Career Guide for Oceanography Studies

Oceanography, in simple terms, is the study of the oceans as ecological systems with specific importance to coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed. It is a very amusing and challenging field as candidates are taken to the ocean for practical training on various physical, biological, chemical and geological aspects of the ocean. They could be assigned to collect samples, conduct surveys, and analyze data using sophisticated equipment in the sea for long hours. An Oceanography expert, generally, deals with distribution of organisms and minerals in the oceans, the physiological and behavioral responses of organisms to the abiotic and biotic environment, composition of seawater, physiochemical properties of seawater, distributions of gases, nutrients and trace metals, and effect of biological processes on seawater composition. A career in Oceanography seems to be very promising owing to the the huge water bodies surrounding the Indian sub-continent that is yet to be fully explored.

Courses & Eligibility

• Most of the institutes/universities in India offer postgraduate course in Oceanography or Marine Biology. The minimum educational qualification for this course is a bachelor’s degree in science i.e. B.Sc. either in Zoology / Botany / Chemistry / Fishery Science / Earth Science / Physics / Agriculture / Microbiology / Applied Sciences or in any other equivalent disciplines.
• One can also pursue M.Tech in Oceanography or Marine Biology. While the minimum qualification is M.Sc, at times, a valid GATE score may also be necessary for admission to this program.
• MPhil and PhD are also offered by few universities. A postgraduate in the same branch or any equivalent branch can be eligible for pursuing the program. For pursuing PhD one has to qualify either NET or GATE exam.

Career Prospects:

Oceanography experts, also called as Oceanographer or Marine Biologist, are employed in places like the mining of sea resources and assistance in oceanic behavior analysis.

There are large employment opportunities for Geographers/ Meteorologists/ Oceanographers in both public and private sectors. A professional in Oceanography can also be absorbed as an Environmental Scientist, Geo-desist, Geographer, Geologist, Geophysicist, Hydrographer, Oceanographer or mining engineer at various organizations in India and abroad.

Remuneration:

A fresher, after completing post graduation in Oceanography can earn a monthly salary between Rs 8,000 – Rs 12, 000 in public sector. The salary is slightly higher in the private sector. With a Ph.D., one can earn more than Rs 15, 000 per month. The salary of oceanographers is relatively higher in foreign countries. Countries like US, UK, France offer pay package between $50,000 and $80,000 a year. The salary varies according to the experience and qualifications of a oceanographer.