Overview

In the BS program in ocean futures, students learn the processes governing global oceans, as well as threats to the ecosystems and human populations they support. It also provides a foundation in coastal and marine system science and 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. The Ocean Futures program is offered by Arizona State University.

Students gain not only knowledge of integrated ocean science, but also 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 by working with communities, stakeholders and rights-holders to build skills in context-specific and solutions-oriented research, data analysis and communication.

Healthy human futures depend on healthy ocean futures, and vice versa. According to the United Nations, presently about 40% of the world's population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. The flourishing of societies and the planet requires a holistic approach to support healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems in the face of a changing future.

Addressing the growing challenges the ocean faces requires transdisciplinary study and use-inspired research that works towards culturally appropriate solutions for local to global stewardship of the future oceans. The Bachelor of Science program in ocean futures is designed to grow the next generation of ocean stewards, community leaders, innovators and researchers and build capacity for transformational changes in societal perspectives and practices related to the oceans.

Career opportunities

With the increasing recognition that global oceans and coastal communities play a critical role in future planetary and human well-being, marine professionals are in high demand across many sectors and industries, including county, state and federal agencies, as well as nongovernmental and community organizations. Graduates have the expertise needed to become the next generation of leaders to steward coastal and marine resources across businesses and industries, locally and globally.

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

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Biology of the Marine Environment

Calculus and Probability for the Life and Social Sciences

Calculus for Life Sciences

Ocean Conservation

Ocean Communities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

More details

International: Application priority deadline.

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Tempe, United States

Disciplines

Oceanography View 44 other Bachelors in Oceanography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be admitted to ASU, you need the following coursework:

4 years math
4 years English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
3 years lab sciences (1 year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics)
2 years social sciences (including 1 year American history)
2 years same second language
1 year fine arts or 1 year career and technical education

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37202 USD / year

≈ 37202 USD / year
Out-of-State

34014 USD / year

≈ 34014 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11822 USD / year

≈ 11822 USD / year

Additional Details

Online tuition:

Non-resident $13,920

Arizona resident $11,822

Living costs

Tempe

United States

900 - 1350 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Ocean Futures.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Tempe

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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