Ocean Acoustics Education and Expertise

Ocean Acoustics - the study of sound in the ocean, how it travels, interacts with, and is affected by its underwater surroundings - is a growing and critical field. Sound from both natural and human-generated sources can be an effective tool for probing the ocean environment. While the first applications of ocean acoustics began in the military, applications today encompass offshore energy production, national security, environmental monitoring, climate science, exploration and mapping, as well as fundamental ocean science.

Even as demand for ocean acoustics grows, workforce development is challenged by both the multidisciplinary nature of the field and its widely varying career paths. Ocean acoustics may be housed in a diversity of departments in higher education institutions, and career paths and trajectory of formal education can range from the vocational/associates’ level through the doctorate level. This report examines the state of ocean acoustics education; assesses expected demand for acoustics expertise over the next decade; identifies competencies required across higher education and professional training programs; and presents strategies to raise the profile of careers in ocean acoustics. The report recommends a number of actions that federal agencies, industry, and academia can take to develop the expertise needed to meet current and future workforce demands.