Explore the school options where you can pursue a degree in marine biology.
Students considering a career in marine biology should have a genuine interest in life sciences and mathematics. This field of study and research focuses on the extensive scope of marine organisms and its environment. Although there are numerous schools that offer bachelor degrees in marine biology, employment opportunities for a marine biologist are typically given to those with a master or doctorate degree. Regardless of the degree you wish to pursue, there are a range of great school options and resources that will allow you to prepare or choose a program that meets your goals.
General
To become a professional marine biologist you will need to have deep understanding of the chemical, physical and geological aspects of oceanography, as well as other life sciences. This challenging and fascinating career will allow you to participate in research, conservation and the study of organisms in the ocean. Professions as a marine biologist might include studying fish populations, conserving or managing a marine wildlife preserve, and working and conducting research on marine microbes, plants and mammals. Marine biology is closely related to the following fields of study: biological oceanography, marine science and fisheries.
Prepare
According to experts in the field, marine biology is generally a specialization for a master of doctorate level of education. Undergraduate students considering a master degree in marine biology should complete a bachelor degree in any life science, such as general biology, zoology, botany, microbiology, oceanography marine geology, geo-chemistry, geology and geo-physics or global environmental sciences. Generally, bachelor of science in marine biology programs include the following courses: oceanography, ichthyology, marine mammals, marine ecology, fisheries biology, marine botany and phycology (study of algae).
To prepare for this career, begin taking courses on vertebrate biology, physiology and evolution, physics, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, population biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, calculus and organismic biology. Additionally, do volunteer work at research institutes, enroll in summer internships or camps that dedicate to foment conservation of the ocean.
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
RSMAS offers a master's of science degree in marine biology and fisheries with six different specializations, including applied marine physics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine affairs and policy, marine biology and fisheries, marine geology and geophysics and meteorology and physical oceanography. RSMAS offers various research centers, such as the marine and fresh water bio-medical science center and the experimental hatchery. The undergraduate program offered is a bachelor of science in marine science/biology and the courses covered include marine science, geological science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer programming and physics. Requirements for admission include bachelor's degree in a field of biological sciences, GRE scores and TOEFL scores of 550 or higher (paper-based) for a student whose native language is not English.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
University of California at San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is recognized world-wide as one of the largest centers dedicated to global science research. It offers more than 300 research programs and focuses on the understanding of the oceans, atmosphere and structures of the earth. Scripps is known for being pioneers in the exploration of marine environments and it currently offers a master of science degree in marine biology. The general requirements for admission include a bachelor's of science or higher degree in physical, biological or earth sciences.
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Barbara offers an bachelor of science degree in aquatic/marine biology. This program, available through the ecology, evolution and marine biology (EEMB) department focuses on marine and fresh water biology. It has been ranked second in the nation for its laboratory research, where graduate students play an important role. Also, the EEMB department has been ranked as one of the top 10 in the nation for its research in scientific watch by the National Research Council.
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