Applied Ocean Science and Technology
Associate in Science Degree Marine Science · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
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 deckhands 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 28 to 30 program major units, 26 of which are required core units. A minimum of at least 2 additional 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
Program Learning Outcomes
- 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.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a vessel and identify potential hazards when working on the water.
- Demonstrate the ability to design, construct and maintain aquarium systems intended to support a variety of marine life.
- 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.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MARA A150 | Coastal Navigation | 3 |
| MARA A152 | Boat Handling and Seamanship | 3 |
| MARA A153 | Marine Basic Safety Training | 4 |
| MARA A156 | Maritime Environment | 2 |
| MRSC A100/MRSC A100H | Oceanography | 3 |
| MRSC A100L/MRSC A100M | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| MRSC A120 | Marine Aquarium Science | 2 |
| MRSC A140 | Aquarium Life Support Operation and Maintenance | 2 |
| MRSC A190 | Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques | 3 |
| GEOG A190 | Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS | 3 |
| Restricted Electives - Select two-four units from the following: | 2-4 | |
| CS A131 | Python Programming I | |
| ELEC A100 | Electronic Problem Solving | |
| ELEC A121 | Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design | |
| ELEC A140 | Technical Electronics | |
| EMS A100 | Emergency Medical Responder | |
| ENGR A110 | Introduction to Engineering and Design | |
| ENGR A220 | Programming and Problem-Solving in MATLAB | |
| HVAC A100 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Principles | |
| KIN A232 | Swimming Level 2 | |
| MARA A154 | Vessel and Engine Maintenance | |
| MARA A200 & MARA A201 | Professional Mariner Internshipand Professional Mariner Internship Lecture | |
| MRSC A135 | Aquarium Water Quality | |
| MRSC A195 | Marine Policy and Conservation | |
| WELD A100 | Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding | |
| Total Major Units | 28-30 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MRSC A100or MRSC A100H | Oceanography 1or Oceanography Honors |
| MRSC A100Lor MRSC A100M | Oceanography Laboratoryor Oceanography Laboratory Honors |
| MARA A152 | Boat Handling and Seamanship |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MRSC A120 |
| MRSC A190 |
| MARA A153 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MARA A150 |
| MARA A156 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Restricted Elective (See requirements tab) 3 |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MRSC A140 |
| GEOG A190 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 5
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS
- A restrictive elective course can be taken in Fall year 2 or Spring year 2.