Ocean Futures

About this opportunity

The School of Ocean Futures focuses on the current and future states of the ocean, while also addressing the challenges our oceans experience due to increasing pressure from human activities. It combines research and teaching facilities in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with cutting-edge research facilities housed within the Rob and Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health on ASU’s Tempe campus. These will provide students with a wide array of experiential learning opportunities that will prepare them to conduct work of significant impact. 

Undergraduate programs include: 

Bachelor of Science in Ocean Futures 

The BS in ocean futures explores the science of global oceans, the challenges they face, and the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of ocean stewardship. Students build scientific expertise and leadership skills to work with diverse communities on sustainable solutions for marine and coastal systems.

Bachelor of Science in Ocean Futures (Coastal and Marine Sciences) 

The BS in ocean futures with a concentration in coastal and marine science examines the physical, chemical, and biological processes of coastal and marine systems, their role in the climate system, and the challenges they face. Students gain scientific, problem-solving, and leadership skills to conduct research and create culturally informed solutions for sustainable ocean and coastal stewardship.

Thesis

Students are encouraged to connect their honors thesis to their field work and undergraduate research experiences in the Ocean Futures program. Connecting with the FHA to brainstorm ideas is encouraged in the second and third years before finalizing a thesis project. 

Academic Preparation

Students are encouraged to connect with the ASU partner sites in Hawai'i and Bermuda through Study Abroad and College of Global Futures programming. Faculty from these locations will also teach remotely in classes such as SEA 194: Ocean Futures, a course that aims to equip future leaders and changemakers with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the intertwined relationship between ocean health and human outcomes. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Students are encouraged 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. They can connect with their Barrett advisor to discuss honors credit options for field work experiences. 

Information on the ASU Summer in Bermuda program can be found here.