The mission of the Oceans Department is to discover, educate, and innovate to support a known, sustainable, and equitable ocean. Faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars advance ocean research, education, and impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, technology development, user-inspired research, and immersive education and training. The Oceans Department brings together ocean sciences – including biological, physical, and social sciences – and technology to advance exploration and knowledge of our blue planet and pursue solutions that tackle the most pressing challenges in climate and sustainability.
Degree programs
Undergraduate opportunities
Stanford undergraduate students interested in ocean research can pursue oceans-related courses and majors via the Department of Biology or Earth Systems.
Stanford Undergraduate Admissions
Biology
Earth Systems
Oceans research at Stanford
Our faculty and students engage with partners on ocean research across the university.
Hopkins Marine Station
Many of our faculty work at Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove where students and researchers come together to ask big questions, explore new ideas, and discover how and why things work.
Center for Ocean Solutions
We partner with the Center for Ocean Solutions at the Woods Institute for the Environment to translate research insights into solutions at scale with collaborators across the globe.
Marine operations
Learn about required training and procedures for boating, diving, and working in the tidal zone at Hopkins Marine Station and the surrounding marine protected area.
Oceans events
Oceans news
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Stanford researchers are searching for heat-resistant corals that could ensure the survival of vulnerable reefs.
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A study of fishing cooperatives and independent operators in Baja California offers lessons for the development of equitable climate adaptation policies across the world.
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The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Naval Postgraduate School recently convened experts to discuss how research can address climate change impacts on the ocean environment, economy, and national security.
