Ocean health is vital to planetary well-being, and dedicated stewards are needed to develop innovative solutions for emerging challenges. Earning this degree positions you to economically and responsibly address the impacts of rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, sea level rise, overfishing and more. With interdisciplinary expertise, you’ll be prepared to engage communities and lead transformational changes in ocean-related industries and practice.
This program is accessible wherever you live and equips you for careers in the blue economy. You can pursue roles in areas such as coastal and marine protection and management, land-sea interactions and community-based stewardship. You’ll also gain the knowledge to assess fisheries’ impact on ocean health, support coral reef restoration and integrate intergenerational values into conservation efforts.
How our two ocean futures degrees compare
ASU offers two online bachelor’s degrees in ocean futures: this marine studies program and a degree concentrated in coastal and marine science. Both are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards and innovators. Regardless of which you choose, you can participate in optional hands-on opportunities at ASU locations, including the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation in Hawai’i. Your interests and career goals can help determine which program suits you best.
- Bachelor’s in ocean futures
- This ocean sustainability and marine studies degree broadly explores the natural processes and human impacts shaping ocean health while addressing global marine challenges. It requires less advanced science coursework, including a lower level of chemistry than the concentration. You’ll also take stewardship and partnership courses to develop a practical understanding of the social and economic dimensions of ocean health.
- Bachelor’s in ocean futures – coastal and marine science
- This concentration emphasizes quantitative approaches to solving coastal and marine challenges. It includes more advanced chemistry coursework and a quantitative applications requirement. This option is ideal if you plan to pursue graduate studies, such as ASU’s online master’s in coastal and marine science and management.
Support the blue economy with a degree in ocean sustainability
The multi-trillion-dollar blue economy encompasses careers that sustainably use ocean resources to drive economic growth and support thriving communities. Industries in this expanding sector include fisheries, marine conservation, coastal tourism and recreation, energy, transportation and research. Professionals dedicated to balancing economic development with environmental stewardship are essential to maintaining healthy, productive oceans for future generations.
With the ocean futures marine studies degree, you can build a career that makes a lasting impact on the blue economy across the public, private, nonprofit and nongovernmental sectors.
Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Science in ocean futures equips you to enhance marine systems and develop innovative solutions for healthier oceans. Through multidisciplinary learning, you’ll become an environmental steward ready to implement sustainable practices, advance biodiversity preservation and support resilient coastal communities. Earn your degree from the first School of Ocean Futures and make a lasting impact.
This marine studies curriculum builds a foundation in ocean futures from biology and chemistry to math and marine communities. Major coursework explores marine biology, ocean conservation, ethnobotany, oceanography, coral reef ecology and other key topics. You’ll also examine the relationship between humans and the environment, as well as develop solutions to improve ocean health. The program culminates in a workshop and a capstone course, where you and your team will tackle real-world challenges as future coastal and marine stewards.
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.
The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives support ASU’s overarching commitment to innovation, research and delivering high-quality academic programs. ASU is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
for life below water, Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, 2024
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability
best online bachelor’s programs
best global universities
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”