College of Geosciences unveils new graduate degree program in Oceanography

The Texas A&M University College of Geosciences has collaborated on a new degree option through its Master of Geosciences program. Led by the Department of Oceanography and The Geochemical & Environmental Research Group (GERG), the degree option is the latest offering in its graduate degree repertoire – a graduate certificate in the discipline of Ocean Observing Systems will be offered starting next fall. This non-thesis masters program is geared towards training oceanographers who are knowledgeable in the development, design and implementation of various ocean systems.

The program was created to meet the global need for professionals trained specifically in oceanographic technology. Dr. Lisa Campbell, an Associate Professor of the Department of Oceanography, was one of the advocates behind this newly-formed program. She recently offered some feedback regarding the program, its goals and its origins.

1. What sparked the creation of this new degree program?

Campbell: The idea for this program grew out of discussions I had with Norman Guinasso, the Director of The Texas A&M Geochemical & Environmental Research Group (GERG), about five years ago on the future of oceanography and new directions needed for preparing students in the field of oceanography.

The climate community had been discussing a global climate observing system since the early 1990s. It was obvious from those discussions that an ocean observing component was needed to complement the climate component. With global issues such as climate change, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and enabling the sustained use of marine resources, long-term data sets are very important. So it is essential to have trained personnel to make the observations, analyze and interpret the data, and develop models for prediction.

It was also obvious that these new systems would be maintained by technically trained ocean professionals, who had basic knowledge of the science of oceanography AND the technical expertise to design and operate sophisticated instrumentation and communication systems.

2. Why was it necessary to create a program that contained all of these components in addition to the general concepts of Oceanography?

Campbell: All these components are crucial for earth observations, and are part of a multidisciplinary effort, or Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). [Guinasso] - as head of the TABS program - and I are proponents of new biological sensors to add to our observing capabilities.

Subsequently, Steve DiMarco joined the Oceanography faculty; he developed new courses for the program and the TAMU-Ocean Observing Systems (TAMOOS), recruited students, and the TAMOOS program grew. [DiMarco] was invited to give a presentation at 2005 Marine Technology Society conference (Washington DC) and he contributed a manuscript that was peer-reviewed and published in the Marine Technology Society Journal. I also presented this program at the Ocean Sciences meeting in Honolulu in Feb 2006. Numerous program managers and Directors of other Oceanography departments commented to me regarding the timeliness of this new program. It seemed that many other institutions are planning the same type of program.

3. How was the proposal of this program received at that time? What was the general reaction like?

Campbell: We have had very positive response from industrial entities who have commercial interest in the development of observing systems. Industry needs appropriately trained students to provide the products and services envisioned and are willing to provide internships and training for our students. Ultimately, it is hoped that this relationship with industry will lead to job opportunities for our students after graduation.

Encouragement from Dept. Head Wilf Gardner was also crucial in initiating the development of this new program. I have been working on approval of this new Certificate in Ocean Observing Systems (part of the MGsc, a non-thesis masters program) for several years.

4. Why was the addition of this degree program to the Department of Oceanography a significant move? In other words, how does this program tie into the scheme of things within your department?

Campbell: It is important because long-term observations are the fundamental component of the Integrated Ocean Observing System.

Our mission is to train students-- and we need to prepare students for the future. A big part of the future is Earth Observing Systems and so having the analytical skills and the oceanographic background to permit the interpretation of results is important. These are the skills we can offer our students.

It is also significant because of the timing. Only one other institution – Rutgers - offers anything similar to the TAMU program. Two of the research thrusts of our department are- 1. Coastal Ecosystems Processes and Health and 2. Climate Change, which requires multidisciplinary observations, often in real time. So linking our research thrusts with the certificate program is a way to attract a broad base of students (with widely varied interests) to the department and achieve common goals.

5. Why should Oceanography/Geosciences students consider this degree? How will it help them in their careers?

Campbell: Many companies are looking for students with the skills (e.g., data analysis, GIS, experience with in situ sensors) so we think students graduating from this program will be highly employable. Ocean Observing is one of the major new directions, thus our students will be well prepared for this challenge.

6. Is there anything you would like to add as last words of wisdom for students who might consider this program?

Campbell: This program takes advantage of the multidisciplinary nature of our College. Students are required to take courses in data analysis, GIS, and remote sensing. The strengths of this program includes the breadth of resources in the College of Geosciences from which students benefit and that the program offers the student scientific and technical expertise.