Children in a classroom learning about the ocean

Ocean Literacy

The Greatest Threat to the Ocean is Ignorance

The path to becoming an ocean literacy advocate

The Path to Becoming an Ocean Literacy Advocate

From High School to Your First Job

Build a Solid Academic Foundation

Basics:

Take all available STEM-related classes (biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics) and any ocean-related classes offered at your high school. Take all kinds of writing classes (fiction, nonfiction). This will help you build your knowledge and learn how to express that knowledge.

Recommended:

If not available at your high school, try and take biology-related (zoology, biochemistry, microbiology, evolutionary biology, genomics, molecular biology, ecology), ocean-related (marine biology, marine microbiology, oceanography, coastal oceanography), and communications-related classes offered online.

Keep in Mind:

Learn how to write for a scientific and non-scientific audience. The ability to communicate your knowledge and understanding of the ocean is essential. There are also an endless amount of ocean-related organizations ranging that you can become involved with as an intern, paid employee, or volunteer.

Dive In!

And become an expert

books icon

Peruse our library of must-read books

chart icon

Thumb through a relevant publication

online class icon

Take an online course

internet icon

Check out these great websites

Get a

jump on your Academic career

There’s no substitute for experience.

We have compiled a database of thousands of internships, research opportunities, academic programs and specialized training programs so you can get a jump on your academic career.

internship icon

Internships

Research

academic icon

Academic Training Programs

And if you need support to fulfill your dreams and ambitions, our searchable database has plenty of scholarship opportunities as well as programs designed to increase diversity.

Scholarships

diversity icon

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

workplace icon

Need Help Finding Your Opportunity?

Our video tutorials explain the ins and outs of landing a great internship, research project or training program.

 

Make all the right moves

Advice from those who know

Maintain an excellent GPA as an undergraduate so you can attend graduate school

Gain experience through internships and volunteering

Have some background in marine, environmental, or conservation science

Have some work experience on your resume

Attend ocean literacy conferences and seminars

Develop excellent public speaking and written communication skills

Join professional societies and organizations

Stay current by reading industry and professional journals

What degree is right for you?

graduate icon

Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor’s degree in marine biology, conservation science, coastal science, ecology, oceanography, environmental science, wildlife management or a related field will give you the best entry into a marine science education career. Supporting minors or electives should include science education, museum studies, communications, marketing and public relations. 

Graduate Degree

You will need a master’s degree in education if you want to teach marine science in a public school. Most states also require you to have a teaching certificate. Having a master’s degree in one of the marine or environmental sciences may be required for advancement or specialization. A doctoral degree is required for a career in academia at the university level.

10 Schools With Excellent Ocean Literacy Programs

Want to see the full list of colleges and universities with degree offerings or relevant courses?

See the full list

graphic of college campus

Marine Science
Boston University

Marine Sciences
University of Georgia

Marine Science
San Francisco State University

Marine Science
University of California Berkeley

Marine Science
University of Hawaii at Hilo

Marine Science
University of South Carolina

Marine Science
University of Maine

Marine Sciences
University of Connecticut

Marine Sciences
University of Florida

Marine Science
Samford University

Tip 1

The majority of marine science educators come from a scientific background rather than one involving education or teaching. While there is overlap, knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, or other marine science is essential.

Tip 2

Marine educators need teaching and field experience, both of which can be gained through internships or volunteer positions. These opportunities are also important for making contacts that will help with career development.

Tip 3

Look for any opportunity to hone your communication skills – developing a social media presence or creating a website or blog are activities anyone can undertake without any assistance. Make sure you are comfortable with public speaking.

Have familiarity with one or more of the following areas

Oceanography icon

Oceanography

Fisheries icon

Ocean sustainability

Coastal Science icon

Coastal Science

Marine conservation icon

Marine conservation

Ocean ecosystems icon

Ocean ecosystems

Biogeochemical Cycle icon

Biogeochemical cycles

Ocean exploration icon

Ocean exploration

Climate change icon

Climate change

geoscience icon

Geosciences

Marine pollution icon

Marine pollution

Typical Job Functions of an Ocean Literacy Advocate

Here are some of the interesting things you could be doing.

Developing, implementing, and integrating marine science curricula.

Conducting marine science education activities with students, teachers, the public, school groups, and camps.

Training teachers and students in research methods.

Organizing ocean literacy workshops.

Creating marine science content for handouts, brochures, or other promotional material.

Cooperating with other educational organizations to advance marine education at local, state, and national levels.

Attending continuing education conferences, in-service training, and certification programs.

Training volunteers to assist with marine science education programs.

Creating press releases and advertising for upcoming educational events and activities.

Writing grant proposals to solicit funding for educational programs.

There’s an Ocean of Possibilities

The broad, interdisciplinary nature of marine science education is matched by the wide variety of career opportunities that are available to you.

As a marine science educator you can work in the following fields:

  • Teaching
  • Conservation
  • Public Science Outreach
  • Research
  • Publishing
  • Scientific Consulting
  • Ecotourism
  • Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing

And work for the following types of entities:

  • Public Schools
  • Universities
  • Aquariums
  • Zoos
  • Wildlife Parks
  • Museums
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • State Government
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Start your career search with our extensive list of employment websites.