The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) at Texas A&M University is based in the College of Geosciences. Texas A&M University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, and the Consortium for Ocean Leadership serve as the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program U.S. Implementing Organization (IODP-USIO).

The IODP-USIO is responsible for overseeing the science operations of the riserless drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution, archiving the scientific data and samples that are collected, and producing and disseminating program publications. The drillship travels throughout the oceans sampling the sediments and rocks beneath the seafloor. The scientific samples and data are used to study Earth's past history, including plate tectonics, ocean currents, climate changes, evolutionary characteristics and extinctions of marine life, and mineral deposits. Drilling operations are conducted purely for scientific purposes and do not include oil exploration.

The IODP/TAMU staff is headed by Director Brad Clement and is divided into five departments: Science Operations; Technical & Analytical Services; Development, IT & Databases; Publication Services; and Business Services. The Texas A&M Research Foundation provides Administrative Services.

IODP is a central focus for the TAMU Ocean Drilling and Sustainable Earth Science (ODASES) program, which is an interdisciplinary, multicollege research and education program committed to maximizing the University's participation in IODP. The College of Geosciences leads and directs the program, which encompasses the Colleges of Geosciences, Engineering, and Education, in addition to two major research centers—the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG) and the Center for Immersive Imagery.

IODP is located at 1000 Discovery Drive in the Texas A&M University Research Park.

TAMU also served as the Science Operator for the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) from 1985 to 2003.

Download the Legacy of Scientific Ocean Drilling poster for an overview of ocean drilling achievements and discoveries since the late 1950s.