Ocean Futures – Coastal and Marine Science (BS)

Explore quantitative approaches to enhance ocean health and coastal resilience with an online Bachelor of Science in ocean futures with a concentration in coastal and marine science from Arizona State University. This program prepares you to develop evidence-based solutions that balance scientific, sustainable and ethical considerations. You’ll graduate with the skills to make an impact across marine science sectors or pursue graduate studies in STEM fields.

Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120

Coastal and marine science degree courses

Your coursework includes biology, chemistry and quantitative applications (e.g., calculus, statistics, digital blue planet). This foundation supports your ocean futures studies in areas such as coral ecology, ocean conservation, ethnobotany, oceanography, marine invertebrate zoology, sustainable seafood and more. You’ll also have opportunities to explore the human impact on the environment and the ocean’s critical role in Earth’s future.

This program culminates in a workshop and capstone project, where you’ll research and make recommendations for approaches to a practical coastal or marine challenge.

Start your path to careers in marine biology and more

The blue economy is valued at over a trillion dollars and continues to grow, making this an ideal time to pursue this degree. Blue jobs span industries from fisheries, transportation and tourism to marine conservation, policy and research. With a marine science background, you can apply your knowledge to enhance ocean ecosystems and strengthen coastal communities.

This degree also prepares you for graduate studies, leading to careers as a marine biologist, scientist or researcher. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Biological Scientists, All Other

Growth: 3.9%
Salary: $87,300

Biologists

Growth: 3.9%
Salary: $87,300

Data Scientists

Growth: 35.2%
Salary: $103,500

Conservation Scientists

Growth: 4.1%
Salary: $64,460

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Growth: 5.8%
Salary: $48,380

Survey Researchers

Growth: -3.8%
Salary: $60,410

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Growth: 3.0%
Salary: $67,430

Water Resource Specialists

Growth: 4.8%
Salary: $144,440

Life Scientists, All Other

Growth: 5.2%
Salary: $83,930

Sustainability Specialists

Growth: 4.1%
Salary: $75,990