Founded in 1903, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for ocean and earth science research, education, and public service. With annual expenditures approaching $200 million and a fleet of four research vessels and research platform FLIP, research at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans and earth.
Scripps offers educational instruction leading to Masters and Doctoral degrees in applied ocean sciences, biological oceanography, climate science, geophysics, geological science, marine biology, marine chemistry/geochemistry, physical oceanography. Scripps faculty teach over 45 undergraduate courses covering a wide breadth of earth and marine and environmental sciences and offer an undergraduate degree in earth sciences, and a marine science minor.
The Birch Aquarium at features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An oceanographic museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and includes five dozen interactive elements. Annually, the aquarium welcomes more than 400,000 visitors including more than 40,000 students. Its school programs are structured to provide interactive, inquiry-based science programming infused with current Scripps Oceanography research. Classroom lessons are aligned with the California State Science Content Standards and with National Science Standards.