California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
Field of study · Arcata, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Arcata
Intl. Tuition
US$18,142 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$6,838 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in Arcata, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science. Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
Student life (indicative)
Arcata is a classic American college town — life revolves around the university, with a tight-knit student community, plenty of campus events, good local bars, and easy access to nature. Friendly, affordable and social.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
5,612
Staff Ratio
16.0:1
International
0.3%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
48%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Rural
City & Location
Rural (<50k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Oceanography, Chemical and Physical topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Oceanography, Chemical and Physical
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
5,612
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
16:1
Students per staff
International Students
0%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Rural
City Size
Rural (<50k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
7.0/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle | Entrepreneurial / start-up culture
Student Life & City (indicative)
Arcata is a classic American college town — life revolves around the university, with a tight-knit student community, plenty of campus events, good local bars, and easy access to nature. Friendly, affordable and social.
- Arcata is a classic American college town — life revolves around the university, with a tight-knit student community, plenty of campus events, good local bars, and easy access to nature.
- Friendly, affordable and social.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
48%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science. Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
- Science graduates develop analytical and research skills that are highly transferable, entering careers in research, industry, healthcare, government and data science.
- Many proceed to postgraduate study to specialise further.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$72,568
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,280/month budget (housing $700, food $330, transport $65) covers everything comfortably. An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.
- A budget-friendly US university setting — a $1,280/month budget (housing $700, food $330, transport $65) covers everything comfortably.
- An affordable college-town setting — good value and a comfortable student lifestyle.