Earth Sciences: Ocean Mapping

A degree option in Ocean Mapping is for students with interests in hydrography and hydrographic survey technology who wish to prepare for careers in such areas as federal and institutional marine research, federal and international positions in hydrographic surveying, the environment, private sector offshore mineral resources exploration industries, and marine hardware and software development. The study of ocean mapping is a key niche in the ocean technology field.

Hydrography, in the context of this program, is the measurement and definition of the configuration of the bottoms and adjacent land areas of oceans, lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water areas, and the tides (or water levels) and currents that occur in those bodies of water. It includes elements of both physical oceanography, and surveying and mapping.

Ocean mapping is a broader concept that includes not only the elements of hydrography, but also encompasses such topics as the geologic characterization of the seabed and the mapping of living resources and habitats.

More information about CCOM (Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping), which oversees this degree program, can be found at http://ccom.unh.edu/.

Students graduating with a MS in Earth Sciences: Ocean Mapping should achieve the following learning outcomes:

Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge in ocean mapping technology and physical oceanographic and tidal processes that result in expertise focused on applications of hydrography to determine the configuration of subsea and adjacent land topography and geomorphology of oceans, lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies.

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of how hydrography and ocean mapping interact with other related disciplines.
• Demonstrate specialized knowledge of ocean mapping sufficient to conduct substantive supervised research.

Research Methods and Analysis

• Identify and demonstrate knowledge of a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies typically used in ocean mapping research.
• Discover and critically read published research in the Earth sciences and related fields of mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Frame empirical research and/or theory guided by prior knowledge.
• Implement a rigorous study using appropriate methods, measures and techniques.
• Critically evaluate and systematically analyze data to reach appropriate findings and interpretations.

Scholarly Communication

• Structure a coherent argument that rigorously presents and evaluates evidence to support claims.
• Review and cogently synthesize relevant literature.
• Write at a level and in a style of English consistent with that found in leading academic journals.
• Understand and properly use styles of citing, referencing, and formatting found in leading academic journals.
• Clearly convey research findings through oral presentation supported by appropriate digital media.
• Cogently summarize research and its significance to non-specialist audiences.

Professionalism and Pedagogy

• Prepare manuscripts that meet the standards of academic and research journals and respond appropriately to recommendations for revision.
• Demonstrate collaboration, leadership and teamwork.
• Create a welcoming environment that is supportive, inclusive and equitable.
• Make effective contributions to university, community and professional service.
• Communicate effectively to groups in a lecture format.

• Transcript evaluation by a third party is not required as long as an application is in English. Translation services and evaluation services may be requested at the discretion of the academic department.
• Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
• International applicants may submit copies of official transcripts by emailing [email protected]. We will upload those transcripts to your application checklist. 
• Official transcripts will be required if admitted. These can be hand-delivered in a sealed envelope upon arrival, emailed to [email protected], or mailed hardcopy to UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824.