Academic Catalogs

Applied Ocean Science and Technology, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_AOST

Control Number: 41928

Financial Aid Eligible


Applied Ocean Science & Technology is an interdisciplinary field that requires a broad base of practical skills working in the field and laboratory. This applied degree is designed to strengthen and complement the background of students planning to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a marine-related science discipline. In addition, students will be qualified to hold positions in the workforce ranging from deck hands to naturalist and environmental education positions. They can assist with research and monitoring surveys.

The Applied Ocean Science & Technology major requires completion of a minimum of 27.5 program major units, 24.5 of which are required core units. The additional 3 specialization units must be taken from a list of restricted electives that will add to student’s technical background. The department strongly recommends that all declared Applied Ocean Science & Technology majors work with counseling to help prepare them for their intended transfer institution.

Program Outcomes

  1. Utilize scientific equipment and monitoring studies to illustrate the influence and interactions between the geologic, physical, chemical and biological processes and characteristics of the world ocean.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a vessel and identify potential hazards when working on the water. 
  3. Demonstrate the ability to design, construct and maintain aquarium systems intended to support a variety of marine life. 
  4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of data collection methods and analysis as well as the role that monitoring programs contribute to our understanding of marine characteristics and processes.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
  4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course Title Units
Required Courses
MARA A150Coastal Navigation3
MARA A152Boat Handling and Seamanship3
MARA A153Marine Basic Safety Training4
MARA A156Maritime Environment2
MRSC A100Oceanography3
or MRSC A100H Oceanography Honors
MRSC A100LOceanography Laboratory1
or MRSC A100M Oceanography Laboratory Honors
MRSC A120Marine Aquarium Science1.5
MRSC A140Aquarium Life Support Operation and Maintenance1
MRSC A190Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques3
GEOG A190Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS3
Subtotal24.5
Restricted Electives
Select three units of the following:3
Python Programming I
Electronic Problem Solving
Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design
Technical Electronics
Emergency Medical Responder
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Programming and Problem-Solving in MATLAB
Wetlands Ecology and Management
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Principles
Internship Academy-Level 2
Swimming Level 2
Yachtkeeping and Engine Maintenance
Professional Mariner Internship
and Professional Mariner Internship Lecture
Marine Policy and Conservation
Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding
Program Major Units27.5
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60