James Cook University Pathway

James Cook University is one of the world’s most highly-ranked universities for studying marine sciences. Located in Queensland, Australia, its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef allows students to access amazing natural laboratories and have the ability to take a wide range of coursework to further their education and exposure to unique ocean environments. Students can develop professional skills at JCU’s Orpheus Island Research Station, or on-site at various coral reef, island, seagrass, and mangrove environments in the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

OCC’s Marine Science Department has established the first, and currently only, transfer partnership for a U.S. community college with James Cook University in Australia for marine biology. Students that complete one of our two Associate’s of Science Degrees (A.S. in Marine Science, or A.S. in Applied Ocean Science & Technology) with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA will receive guaranteed acceptance to James Cook University in Australia as part of our 2 + 2 pathways partnership.

When transferring from OCC with this program, students can complete a Bachelor’s degree from JCU in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology, or Environmental Science in 2 years. Qualifying students will also receive a 25% discount of their tuition fees as part of this program. In many cases, costs are comparable or less than attending a university in California, and the tuition is FAFSA eligible for student loans.