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Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography

Program Description

Just the Facts

Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography. A program that focuses on the scientific study of the ecology and behavior of microbes, plants, and animals inhabiting oceans, coastal waters, and saltwater wetlands and their interactions with the physical environment. Includes instruction in chemical, physical, and geological oceanography; molecular, cellular, and biochemical studies; marine microbiology; marine botany; ichthyology; mammalogy; marine population dynamics and biodiversity; reproductive biology; studies of specific species, phyla, habitats, and ecosystems; marine paleocology and palentology; and applications to fields such as fisheries science and biotechnology.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

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See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Additional Information

Marine biology programs allow students to get a glimpse of ocean life. Of course, students also spend a great deal of time in labs, in libraries and at the computer.

Many people apply to college programs and space is limited. "Average students are rarely accepted. Emphasis is on excellence," says Christopher Taggart. He is a biology/fisheries oceanographer, as well as an associate professor of marine biology at a university.

Donna Wolcott says that the average grade point average of applicants to her school is 4.07 (that's 80 percent or above). She is an associate professor of marine biology at North Carolina State University.

Students interested in marine biology usually have to pursue at least a master's degree. Many go on to do a PhD. Research scientists and professors in academic institutions often require a post-doctoral degree.

Specializations can be based on a particular species, organism or ecosystem. For example, students may choose to study a single species of clams. Or they may choose to study all of the clams in a particular region.

Take all the science classes you can in both high school and your first year of university.

Working or volunteering in the field is also a good idea. That could include working at your local pet shelter, fish and wildlife office, pet store or veterinarian's office.

Taking a course in statistics is also an asset, notes Taggart.

"Math, physics, biology, chemistry, Earth systems, at least two years in a foreign language, and anything that strengthens writing and speaking skills -- [all these] are great assets," says Wolcott.

Many programs suggest getting scuba certification, although it's not essential.

When choosing a school, think about what aspect of marine biology interests you most. Do you want to study plants or animals? Are you interested in the effects that pollution and global warming are having on the oceans? Different schools specialize in different areas.

Some programs have a co-op option. Co-op programs put students to work in the field, usually at a research center that's located close to the ocean. Co-ops can be a valuable part of your resume when you begin looking for work or research grants.

Tuition varies, depending on the school and type of program. For PhD programs, tuition will be higher. However, most PhD students receive funding to help pay their costs.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Biological Scientists

Careers in Oceanography, Marine Science and Marine Biology
See what options you could have in the field

Odyssey Expeditions
Marine biology tours

Marine Biology Career
A Q and A with a marine biologist

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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