Some of the specialties can include marine physics, chemical oceanography, marine meteorology, geological oceanography, biological oceanography and others.

Marine science graduates typically find employment with state and federal agencies as research assistants. Universities also employ graduates as research a assistants/technicians. These positions may involve field as well as laboratory work and employees are often involved in compiling and analyzing data for research studies/projects, management of coastal area resources, monitoring or mitigating environmental issues, weather predictions, etc.