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Ocean Futures

Arizona State University
Tempe , United States
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Bachelors
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English
About Program

Program Overview

Ocean Futures, BS

The Bachelor of Science program in Ocean Futures is designed to grow the next generation of ocean stewards, community leaders, innovators, and researchers. The program focuses on the social, economic, and equity aspects of ocean stewardship, including the integration of intergenerational and Indigenous values in developing blue economies, coastal and marine protection and management, land-sea interactions, community-based stewardship, the impact of fisheries on ocean health, and coral reef restoration.


Program Description

In the Ocean Futures program, students learn the processes governing global oceans, as well as threats to the ecosystems and human populations they support. The program provides a foundation in coastal and marine system science and focuses on the social, economic, and equity aspects of ocean stewardship. Students gain knowledge of integrated ocean science, as well as cognitive skills in critical and futures thinking, information and digital literacy, and problem-solving. Students also develop interpersonal skills in civic and global responsibility and leadership, as well as the cultural sensitivity and empathy for diverse communities needed to become transformational leaders.


At a Glance

  • College/school: College of Global Futures
  • Location: Tempe or Online, ASU Local
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Ocean Futures program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of ocean science and stewardship. Students can view the 2025-2026 curriculum and curriculum archives for more information.


Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.


Admission Requirements

  • General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
    • First-year
    • Transfer
    • International
    • Readmission

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.


Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.


Global Opportunities

  • Global experience: With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets.
  • Students in the BS in Ocean Futures program have special opportunities to enhance their learning in locations like Bermuda, Hawai'i, and Antarctica.

Career Opportunities

The BS program addresses the crucial role of healthy oceans and coastal communities in the future of the planet and human well-being. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in high demand across sectors such as county, state, and federal agencies, along with nongovernmental and community organizations. Graduates are equipped to work collaboratively with diverse communities to become the next generation of leaders dedicated to stewarding coastal and marine resources.


  • Career paths include:
    • Conservation manager
    • Environmental consultant
    • Environmental scientist
    • Fisheries manager
    • Marine biologist
    • Marine educator
    • Marine research assistant
    • Marine research technician
    • Marine scientist
    • Natural resource manager

Research Areas

The program focuses on the social, economic, and equity aspects of ocean stewardship, including:


  • Blue economies
  • Coastal and marine protection and management
  • Land-sea interactions
  • Community-based stewardship
  • The impact of fisheries on ocean health
  • Coral reef restoration

Additional Information

  • The health of our oceans is critical to our future. Dive into a world of discovery and be part of the development of innovative solutions for thriving coastal communities and marine systems.
  • One of the benefits of the program is the opportunity for students to gain additional experience through hands-on, aquatic field opportunities. These aquatic opportunities are available in or near Arizona, as well as at ASU's Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i, and through study abroad in Antarctica. Additional costs may apply.
  • This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Tempe campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.
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