Program Overview

Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Graduate Major (MS, PhD)

The Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (OEAS) graduate major is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to the elements of the Earth system and the processes of mass and energy flow among them. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the ocean, earth, and atmosphere, including their interconnections.

Program Overview

The OEAS program is a multi-disciplinary, competitive degree program that values innovative, comprehensive, and broad training and study of the ocean, earth, and atmosphere. The program emphasizes engagement with thought leaders and communities to apply research toward meeting the environmental challenges of the 21st century. The program also fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals, viewpoints, and styles of scholarship are respected.

Concentration Areas

Students in the OEAS program must pursue one of the following concentrations:

• Atmospheric Sciences
• Marine Geology (Geological Oceanography)
• Geophysics
• Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry
• Physical Oceanography

Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete 15 credits of foundational coursework, followed by specific courses in their area of concentration. Students are expected to produce a high-quality, publication-ready research thesis or dissertation under the supervision of a faculty advisor and graduate committee members.

Course List

The program includes the following required core courses:

• OEAS 500: CASCADIA FIELD TRIP (3 credits)
• or OC 515: OREGON COAST MATH CAMP
• OEAS 520: THE SOLID EARTH (4 credits)
• OEAS 530: THE FLUID EARTH (4 credits)
• OEAS 540: THE BIOGEOCHEMICAL EARTH (4 credits)
• Concentration: Complete graduate coursework and research as directed by the program committee (30-93 credits)
• Total Credits for MS: 45
• Total Credits for PhD: 108

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

MA

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

MS

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

PhD

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner.

Concentration Areas in Detail

Atmospheric Sciences

The atmospheric sciences concentration prepares students for careers in teaching and research through advanced study and participation in research projects directed by faculty members. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, or atmospheric science, with strength in mathematics.

Geophysics

Geophysics is concerned with physical processes within and on Earth, especially the internal physical constitution of the planet, and seismic, gravitational, geothermal, geoelectrical, geomagnetic phenomena and their relation to geological processes. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, geology, or geophysics.

Oceanography

Oceanography, the application of the sciences to the study of the oceans, is an interdisciplinary environmental science concerned with all processes: biological, chemical, geological, and physical, as well as the interactions between the ocean. For all areas in oceanography, applicants should have a strong quantitative background and an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of science or engineering and one year each of chemistry, physics, and calculus.