Oceans have always powered trade, food systems and livelihoods, at the coasts, and across continents around the world. As climate change increasingly impacts the ocean and the communities and economies that depend on it, there’s been an increasing need to rethink how we use the ocean and its resources.
Without changing our mindset, the ocean won't be able to support future generations the way it does for us today. That’s why there’s been a shift taking place in how we use the ocean through a concept known as the blue economy, a framework that ties economic growth with long-term ocean health and community well-being.
According to a World Bank report, the blue economy is defined as the mixture of economic sectors and policies that ensure sustainable use of ocean resources to promote continued economic growth. It’s the combination of business, preservation activities and policies that ensure we can all enjoy the ocean for generations to come.
ASU envisions the blue economy reaching beyond a sustainability initiative by encompassing all ocean-related activities, including fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, renewable energy, marine biotechnology development and much more. This will be done through active planning and coordination between industry and communities to ensure the coasts and communities thrive.
From the ocean economy to the blue economy
Historically, the ocean economy focused largely on extraction, production and short-term gains. This mindset is quickly changing as governments, industry and communities realize the benefits of sustainable practices for long-term gains.
To successfully preserve ocean health and the economic activities that depend on it, as well as communities and cultures, new technologies, research practices, and societal inclusion are increasingly needed.
What does this mean for individuals pursuing an ocean-related career? Whether you’re aiming to become a researcher or hoping to get an ocean-related industry job, you’re going to need the skills and expertise that match this growing need for a blue economy that’s more sustainable and equitable.
Preparing for the blue economy
ASU’s School of Ocean Futures is playing a major role in shaping the future of the blue economy through the research it conducts, and the curriculum it uses to teach students who will eventually lead the charge in the blue economy.
Broadly, the School of Ocean Futures and its degree programs examine the present and future states of our oceans, tackling the growing impacts of human activity through hands-on research and learning. Students explore topics like the marine sciences, how to build partnerships and work with communities, and more. This curriculum prepares them for careers in the blue economy, which is projected to be valued at an estimated $2.5 trillion annually, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Regardless of the ocean-related career you choose, mastering skills and knowledge in the blue economy equips you to work effectively across sectors and value systems, and empowers you to translate ocean knowledge into meaningful, real-world solutions.
As an online student at ASU’s School of Ocean Futures, you learn how to turn ocean knowledge into investable, implementable, equitable and durable solutions. The curriculum goes beyond research, building skills in partnership development, stakeholder communication and effective solution design.
Success in the blue economy requires the knowledge to align ocean health, community well-being, and economic opportunity. ASU’s School of Ocean Futures prepares students for this reality through programs designed to build a deep understanding of ocean systems and the communities that depend on them.
You will develop the skills to form lasting partnerships, communicate across sectors, and create solutions that are investable, implementable, equitable, built to last, and ultimately, shape the oceanʻs future in a meaningful way.
One of the highlights of these online Ocean Futures programs is that students don’t have to travel to Arizona or one of the school’s research labs to gain the expertise needed to work in the blue economy. Three programs are available for online students located anywhere in the world, expanding access to high-impact blue economy careers. These programs include:
- Ocean Futures, BS
- Ocean Futures (Coastal and Marine Science), BS
- Coastal and Marine Science and Management, MS
Curious about these programs? Talk to an enrollment coach to get more details about courses, application requirements and more.