Master in Oceanography, Chemical and Physical (Master's)

Tuition is Tuition is covered for sponsored military officers and civilians; non-sponsored applicants are responsible for all fees..

This programme prepares students for roles in naval oceanographic analysis and defense-related research. It focuses on chemical and physical processes in marine environments through advanced coursework and thesis research. Students study ocean circulation, water column chemistry, and remote sensing applications. The programme is designed for military officers and sponsored civilians with a science or engineering background.

Focus areas include Ocean circulation, Water column chemistry, Remote sensing, Marine environmental modeling, Chemical oceanography, Physical oceanography.

The programme requires 48 credits, distributed across core courses, electives, and a thesis. Students complete coursework in chemical and physical oceanography and conduct original research culminating in a thesis.

Graduates serve as oceanographers in naval operations, defense research, and maritime environmental analysis.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Required documents include transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.

The programme totals about 48 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, 2.5 years.

Applied research connects the Naval Postgraduate School's graduate education with practical defense needs. Warfare studies and wargaming form a central area of work, alongside research in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digitally crewed vessels, and space-related imaging systems. Centers, institutes, and academic groups provide interdisciplinary expertise across the institution's education and research programs.

Based in Monterey, California, NPS offers graduate study through academic departments and provides programs both on campus and through distance learning. NPS Online extends defense-focused education through tailored graduate-level distance learning and on-location opportunities. The school also supports research and education linked to operational challenges, with faculty expertise spanning a broad range of critical disciplines.

International applicants should understand that NPS is designed primarily for eligible U.S. and allied military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and a limited number of defense contractors. The school also works with international partners. Its degrees are master's and PhD programs focused on defense-related study, and its academic model expects students to connect professional operational experience with graduate education and applied research.