Best institutions to study Operational Oceanography
A program that focuses on the study of physical oceanography as applied to the naval tactical and strategic environment and the support of military operations.
1 U.S. institutions graduated 6 Operational Oceanography students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 29.0306, a specialization of Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03), and leads most directly to the Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other occupation (BLS SOC 17-3029).
About Operational Oceanography programs
A program that focuses on the study of physical oceanography as applied to the naval tactical and strategic environment and the support of military operations. Includes instruction in atmospheric thermodynamics and radiation propagation, air-ocean fluid dynamics, ocean waves, nearshore environments and processes, ocean acoustics, ocean analysis, tactical oceanography, prediction, and related quantitative and experimental methods.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Operational Oceanography program, part of Military Applied Sciences, focuses on the study of physical oceanography as it pertains to naval operations. This program is designed for individuals interested in applying oceanographic principles to enhance military tactics and strategies in various environments, particularly at sea. With a strong emphasis on practical applications, it prepares students for roles in military and defense sectors.
Students in the Operational Oceanography program will gain knowledge in atmospheric thermodynamics, ocean waves, fluid dynamics, and ocean acoustics. The curriculum includes quantitative and experimental methods that support military operations and enhance tactical decision-making in naval contexts.
Credentials awarded
What Operational Oceanography graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year6 graduates / yr · 1 institution100%
Graduates over time
Operational Oceanography completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 6 |
Top 1 institutions for Operational Oceanography, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 49% | — |
Offered in 1 states
Where Operational Oceanography graduates come from. Each state links to all Military Applied Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 1 | 6 | University of Southern Mississippi6 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3029, Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Operational Oceanography program can pursue careers as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, with an annual growth outlook of 1.5% and approximately 5,700 annual job openings. The median wage for these roles is around $77,390, typically requiring an Associate's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 29.0306
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Otherprimary SOC 17-3029 | $78,350 | +1.5% Little or no change | ~5,700 | Associate's degree |
Related careers
Other Military Applied Sciences specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03).
- Space Systems OperationsCIP 29.0305partial data192 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Military Applied SciencesCIP 29.0399partial data96 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Undersea WarfareCIP 29.0307limited data32 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Combat Systems EngineeringCIP 29.0301limited data19 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Engineering AcousticsCIP 29.0303limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Directed Energy Systems29.0302
- Low-Observables and Stealth Technology29.0304
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program awards credentials for at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What type of degree do I need to enter this field?+
An Associate's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
How many graduates are there each year?+
Approximately 6 graduates complete the program each year in the U.S.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, with a median wage of $77,390.
What is the CIP code for Operational Oceanography?+
Operational Oceanography is CIP 29.0306 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Military Applied Sciences (CIP 29.03). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the study of physical oceanography as applied to the naval tactical and strategic environment and the support of military operations. Includes instruction in atmospheric thermodynamics and radiation propagation, air-ocean fluid dynamics, ocean waves, nearshore environments and processes, ocean acoustics, ocean analysis, tactical oceanography, prediction, and related quantitative and experimental methods.
How many institutions offer Operational Oceanography programs?+
1 U.S. institutions reported Operational Oceanography graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 1 states, awarding 6 credentials in the year. That is 1.7% of all Military Applied Sciences graduates.
How much do Operational Oceanography graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other occupation, which Operational Oceanography most directly leads to, pays a median of $78,350 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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