Considering an ocean-related career may often seem out of reach for those who don’t live near the ocean and are driven by a desire to do more for the ocean than enjoy its beauty.
Arizona State University doesn’t think that should be the case, especially if you’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for the ocean and all who depend on it.
There is a growing demand for ocean leaders, especially as the blue economy expands along with the need to address emerging challenges, like ecosystem failure, coastal erosion, rising sea levels and warming temperatures.
We’ve compiled this list of careers involving the ocean that you are prepared to pursue after earning your degree online, from anywhere in the world, through one of ASU’s ocean futures degree programs. Some of these careers may require additional study, but our degrees are designed to jumpstart your journey towards your dream career.
Explore careers involving the ocean
The careers listed below were compiled using data from O*NET, a job database. Each option supports ocean health in a unique manner of its own. Our ocean futures degree programs are designed to give you a modern and holistic understanding of how to work in ocean-related careers, so you can make a difference.
Careers in ocean data and analytics
- Data scientist: In ocean and sustainability fields, data scientists turn complex datasets into meaningful insights. By modeling climate patterns, tracking species migration or analyzing environmental trends, they help guide critical decisions.
- Climate change analyst: Climate change analysts examine environmental data to identify long-term trends and risks. Their findings help governments, nonprofits and businesses plan for a changing climate and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
- Environmental analyst: Environmental analysts evaluate the potential impact of development, infrastructure or policy decisions. By reviewing data and preparing reports, they help organizations make responsible, science-based choices.
Careers in ocean management and policy
- Coastal resource manager: Coastal resource managers guide how communities use and protect shorelines. By balancing development, tourism and conservation, they help ensure coastal areas remain economically strong and environmentally resilient.
- Coastal zone manager: Focused on long-term planning, coastal zone managers develop policies that reduce the risk from storms, erosion and sea level rise. Their work protects both natural habitats and the people who depend on them.
- Environmental protection specialist: Environmental protection specialists monitor compliance with environmental laws and standards. Through site inspections, permit reviews and reporting, they help safeguard natural resources and public health.
- Fisheries manager: Fisheries managers rely on population data, harvest trends and ecosystem science to set sustainable fishing limits. Their decisions help maintain healthy fish stocks while supporting coastal economies and food systems.
- Marine policy analyst: At the intersection of science and law, marine policy analysts evaluate environmental legislation and recommend improvements. They translate complex research into clear guidance that shapes public policy and ocean governance.
Careers in ocean sustainability and corporate responsibility
- Sustainability specialist: Sustainability specialists help organizations reduce environmental impact and operate more responsibly. From cutting emissions to improving water conservation, they drive strategies that protect natural systems while supporting long-term growth.
- Environmental specialist: Environmental specialists support sustainability initiatives within public agencies or private companies. Their work may include monitoring environmental performance, improving processes and advancing responsible practices.
Careers in ocean restoration and conservation
- Aquatic habitat restoration specialist: Aquatic habitat restoration specialists rebuild damaged ecosystems such as coral reefs, wetlands and estuaries. They assess environmental damage, design restoration plans and lead projects that improve water quality, biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.
- Environmental restoration planner: Large-scale recovery efforts often depend on environmental restoration planners. These professionals coordinate scientists, engineers and community leaders to restore degraded landscapes and waterways.
- Marine conservation specialist: Marine conservation specialists design and implement programs that protect marine species and habitats. Whether working with nonprofits, research teams or government agencies, they turn science into action.
- Fish and wildlife biologist: Fish and wildlife biologists manage and protect animal populations, including marine and coastal species. Through field surveys, habitat assessments and conservation planning, they work to preserve biodiversity.
Careers in ocean science and research
- Oceanographic researcher: Fish and wildlife biologists manage and protect animal populations, including marine and coastal species. Through field surveys, habitat assessments and conservation planning, they work to preserve biodiversity.
- Marine ecologist: Marine ecologists study how marine species interact with each other and their environment. Their research reveals how ecosystems respond to climate change, pollution and human activity to guide smarter conservation strategies.
- Hydrogeologist: Hydrogeologists study how water moves beneath Earth’s surface. Their expertise supports groundwater protection, water resource planning and efforts to prevent contamination in both coastal and inland communities.
- Biological scientist (general): Fish and wildlife biologists manage and protect animal populations, including marine and coastal species. Through field surveys, habitat assessments and conservation planning, they work to preserve biodiversity.
- Life scientist: Life scientists conduct research on living systems at many levels, from microscopic organisms to entire ecosystems. In ocean-focused roles, their discoveries contribute to conservation and environmental innovation.
- Biological technician: Biological technicians support scientific studies by collecting field samples, preparing laboratory tests and maintaining research equipment. This hands-on role often serves as a stepping stone to advanced scientific careers.
Pursuing these ocean careers
Through ASU’s online ocean futures programs, you can build knowledge, gain applied experience and prepare for meaningful work in the emergent blue economy. Many of these career paths are fast-evolving and the ocean futures curriculum is designed to prepare you both for today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
These programs provide the opportunity to study marine science and sustainability from home, no matter where you live. You’ll learn from leading experts, explore real-world challenges and have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an ocean research station in Bermuda.
The goal of these programs is to give you a comprehensive understanding of how the ocean works and how you can work with businesses, governments and communities to create solutions that have a positive impact on the ocean’s health.