物理海洋学家研究海洋中的时空变化。利用电流表，廓线仪和卫星进行的测量可建立海洋环流，水和热传输的模型，以及环流模式对海洋生物和化学的影响。UM的研究重点是海洋/大气层相互作用，遥感，生物物理相互作用以及海洋对天气和气候的影响。自1977年成立以来，密西根州立大学海洋科学双专业已将我们的本科课程确立为该国最热门的课程之一。该跨学科计划涉及世界海洋的研究：海洋的物理和生物组成部分，海洋资源对人类社会的影响以及这些资源的保护和未来开发。海洋科学专业的广度得到了基础科学或应用科学之一所要求的第二专业的深度的补充。
Physical oceanographers study the spatial and temporal variability in the ocean. Measurements from current meters, profilers and satellites are used to develop models of ocean circulation, water and heat transport, and effects of circulation patterns on the biology and chemistry of the ocean. Research at UM focuses on ocean/atmosphere interactions, remote sensing, biophysical interactions, and the ocean's effect on weather and climate. The Marine Science/Physics degree is a Bachelor of Science degree (BSMAS) that is designed to give students a strong background in the study of the spatial and temporal variability in the ocean. Measurements from current meters, profilers and satellites are used to develop models of ocean circulation, water and heat transport, and effects of circulation patterns on the biology and chemistry of the ocean.