Most students follow the accelerated one-year track, which includes two semesters of classroom lectures and practical exercises and one semester of application, combining for about 50 continuous weeks of study. Students may also choose to complete the program in two years and conduct research with the Hydrographic Science Research Center (HSRC). Only two-year students are eligible for assistantships. The degree awarded is a non-thesis masters in Hydrographic Science.

The Hydrographic Science Field Project is conducted for six weeks in the local area Gulf Coast. Although the actual project is conducted at the end, many practical exercises completed during the year are directed towards developing the skill sets needed to conduct the field project.?