COURSE CURRICULUM

The Oceanography and Ocean Mapping BS program at The University of Southern Mississippi is a specialized STEM degree focused on hydrography, ocean science, mapping technologies, and marine data analysis, preparing students for careers in offshore energy, ocean exploration, environmental monitoring, navigational safety, climate studies, marine surveying, GIS, and coastal management. The program strongly emphasizes the growing “Blue Economy,” where students learn how to collect, process, interpret, and manage oceanographic and hydrographic data using advanced scientific instruments and computational tools. Students can complete their freshman and sophomore years at either the Hattiesburg or Gulf Park campuses, while the junior and senior years are completed exclusively at Gulf Park, giving students direct access to marine laboratories, Gulfport Port facilities, field projects, and coastal research environments. The 120-hour curriculum combines mathematics, physics, chemistry, marine science, hydrography, GIS, remote sensing, and ocean technology with hands-on field experience. Major courses include Hydrographic Data Analysis, Ocean Acoustics, Waves and Tides, Electronic Charting and Navigation, Oceanographic Data Management, Remote Sensing, Nautical Science, Field Methods in Hydrography, and Senior Practicum. Students also study Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra, General Physics, Chemistry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Biological Science to build strong scientific and analytical skills. The program includes seminar presentations, writing-intensive projects, and field-based hydrographic surveys that develop technical communication and professional abilities. Career opportunities after graduation include hydrographer, marine GIS analyst, oceanographic technician, marine surveyor, coastal data specialist, offshore mapping analyst, and environmental consultant. Graduates may work with government agencies, maritime industries, oil and gas companies, environmental organizations, research institutes, defense sectors, and ocean technology firms. Because hydrography and ocean mapping are highly specialized fields with limited programs nationwide, graduates can benefit from strong demand in marine technology, offshore infrastructure, and coastal research industries.