Students in the Ocean and Earth science program focus on global systems that control environmental conditions on the planet. They also learn to develop solutions to complex environmental problems by working in interdisciplinary teams. All majors in the department complete courses in the basic sciences and mathematics, core courses in Earth systems science, and a capstone field research experience. In addition, students complete a suite of specialty courses according to one of the following concentrations. A minimum grade of C or higher in all major and prerequisite courses is required for graduation.
Biological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography Concentrations
The three oceanography concentrations are designed for students considering graduate work or employment in the pure and applied fields of oceanography. If students select the biological oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in biology and select 12 credits from 300/400 level biology courses. If students select the chemical oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry and select the following courses: CHEM 211-CHEM 213, CHEM 212-CHEM 214, CHEM 321 and CHEM 322. If students select the physical oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in applied mathematics and select the following courses: MATH 312, MATH 316, MATH 317 and MATH 401.
Geology Concentration
The geology concentration is designed for students with a wide range of professional goals in the sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Students considering graduate work or employment in pure and applied fields of geology, including environmental geology, geological oceanography, hydrogeology, marine geology, geobiology, geophysics, and geochemistry, should build their backgrounds to support certification as a professional geologist (see later information). Students with a strong interest in geological applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools should consider the geology concentration with a minor in geography; the certificate program in spatial analysis of coastal environments (see later description) also emphasizes this area of study.
Earth Science Education Concentration
The Earth science education endorsement concentration is designed for students preparing to teach Earth science in secondary schools. This program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia as established by the Virginia Board of Education licensure regulations.
September 2025
College of Sciences
143 Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building,
NORFOLK,
Virginia,
23529, United States
Traditional freshman applicants are typically under the age of 21 and currently enrolled in high school or have graduated from high school within the past two years and have not attended any regionally accredited college or university (not to include dual enrollment).
English proficiency test scores: TOEFL of 79 (550 paper based); IELTS overall band of 6.5; PTE score of 53; new SAT Reading Test of 26 or SAT Critical Reading of 480; GRE Verbal Reasoning of 152; GCSE or GCE 鈥淥鈥� level pass in English language; CPE grade of A, B, or C.
Fall: Early Action (Non-Binding) Dec. 1; Regular - Feb. 15
Spring Regular - Oct. 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
