Academic Programs
The NPS METOC program is 10 quarters (2.5 years) long and yields you an MS degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography plus a 6401P subspecialty code. Students take a series of courses in both disciplines and a thesis is required. USAF and PhD programs focus on one discipline and allow for concentrated study in a particular area.
The Meteorology and Oceanography Programs administered by NPS consist of the following programs:
Meteorology (Curriculum 372). Masters of Science and PhD programs available. Open to international officers, sponsored civilians and other services.
Meteorology and Operational Oceanography (METOC) (Curriculum 373). A Masters of Science program designed specifically for the Special Duty Officer, Oceanography (1800), community. Open to international officers, sponsored civilians and other services.
Operational Oceanography (Curriculum 374). A Masters of Science program designed for Unrestricted Line Officers.
Oceanography (Curriculum 440). Masters of Science and PhD programs available. Open to international officers, sponsored civilians and other services.
Additionally, the program office overseas the Joint Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology/ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (Curriculum 375). Details for this program are released annually by NAVADMIN.
The Program Officer is here to support you in your educational efforts and answer any questions you have as a future, current, or graduated student. This website is designed to answer some of these questions, but please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (831) 656-2045 orMETOCProgramOfficer@nps.edu.
The NPS Undersea Warfare curriculum offers students the opportunity to study the fundamental principles that apply to the design, performance, and employment of sensors, unmanned vehicles, and tactics in the undersea environment. The program combines electrical and mechanical engineering, mathematics, oceanography, physics, and operations research into a multi-disciplinary program of study. This unique curriculum permits students to select a degree program based on personal interests and undergraduate education, providing more in-depth study in a specific area.
The Department of Oceanography is engaged at the research and instructional levels with the many marine science institutions surrounding Monterey Bay. In this way, students have access to an unparalleled collection of oceanographers. The processes for interaction vary between institutions, but opportunities are well documented and promoted through the MARINE program:
Monterey Area Research Institutions' Network for Education.
