Naval Academy's Oceanography Program Details?

I'm thinking about studying oceanography and I've read that the Naval Academy has an extensive program. Do they offer seminars or specialized courses in oceanography? How is the overall course load?

The Naval Academy indeed offers a strong program in Oceanography. As part of the oceanography major, you will take a variety of both physical and biological oceanography classes covering topics like ocean circulation, marine biology, and chemical and geological aspects of the ocean.

Beyond these more foundational courses, the program does offer some specialized courses. For example, you might take classes in ocean acoustics, marine geology, or other special topics determined by faculty expertise and student interest. These special topics courses can cover areas such as marine pollution or arctic climatology, providing you with a deep dive into specific aspects of the field.

The academy also typically has a few capstone courses which integrate the material learned in previous courses and often involve a major project or presentation. Furthermore, as part of the experience, you might have opportunities for hands-on research and field studies which can be invaluable in gaining practical experience for your future career.

As far as course load is concerned, it's worth noting that the academic program at the Naval Academy is rigorous, regardless of major. You should expect a significant amount of work, but at the same time, there are multiple resources available to help manage your academic commitments. Balancing the academic workload with your military training and other obligations can be challenging, but also rewarding.

Overall, the Naval Academy provides a comprehensive and rigorous program in oceanography that should prepare you well for either a naval career or further study in this or a related field.