Science - Geographic and planetary sciences

This concentration is for those passionate about using scientific research and quantitative approaches to develop sustainable solutions that support ocean and coastal community health. Coursework prepares you to analyze strategies for coral resilience, educate stakeholders on conservation practices, enhance biodiversity preservation and address climate challenges.

With a strong emphasis on chemistry, biology and data-driven methodologies, this program equips you to pursue leadership roles in marine industries or advance your studies in disciplines such as:

• Biological, chemical and physical oceanography
• Coastal ecosystem science
• Coral reef science
• Marine biology
• Marine education

Marine and coastal science expertise you’ll develop

This program builds knowledge and skills in integrated ocean science with a focus on quantitative approaches. Courses teach you to evaluate marine decisions using data analysis and modeling, predict ocean system behaviors under different conditions and interpret visual data to inform solutions. You’ll also develop skills to effectively communicate co-produced work and its value to stakeholders.

As ocean sustainability becomes increasingly urgent, strong quantitative skills will be essential for understanding ecosystem functioning, biogeochemistry and ocean-climate interactions. You’ll explore how course knowledge applies to examining coral reef health, nutrient cycling in ocean systems, ocean dynamics, land-sea interactions and more.

How our two ocean futures degrees compare

ASU’s two bachelor’s degrees in ocean futures are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards. Both offer the flexibility to study from anywhere and provide optional immersive opportunities at ASU coastal locations, including the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation in Hawai’i. Your career goals can guide your decision on which program to choose.

• Bachelor’s in ocean futures
  • This 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.

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.

This program is the world’s first online accredited undergraduate astronomy degree. With custom-built classes and innovative coursework, this program makes learning astronomy online convenient, compelling and tailored to your learning needs.

The curriculum includes:

• Groundwork in mathematics and physical sciences.
• Topical courses focused on diverse fields within astronomy and planetary science.
• Exposure to the engineering and computational tools and techniques used to carry out research.

As a student in this program, you’ll gain skills in coding, communication and problem solving, including how to break down and tackle complex problems applying modern statistical data analysis techniques using computers.

Who’s this program a good fit for?

This program is ideal for students interested in obtaining a quantitative understanding of the science of the solar system and beyond. In this math-intensive program, an interest in math will help set you up for success and be prepared to utilize it throughout all upper-division courses. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with broad training in the scientific foundations and fundamentals of space exploration, including ongoing advancements in the field.

What you can do with a bachelor’s in astronomy

Upon completing this program, you can pursue careers in fields that value scientific knowledge. These types of careers involve the use of modern statistical data analysis techniques. You may also find jobs within K-12 STEM teaching, writing and journalism, science policy or statistical data analysis and computer programming.

Additionally, because this astronomy degree focuses on critical thinking and innovative problem-solving, it may prepare you for law school or other graduate school opportunities related to this skill set. However, if you plan to apply to a graduate program in astronomy or astrophysics, or pursue a path as a university professor or professional astronomer, you’ll need additional advanced coursework in mathematics and physics, as well as in-person research experience. To meet these graduate school requirements, you should consider pursuing the on-campus Bachelor of Science in earth and space exploration with a concentration in astrophysics program.