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What is Marine Biology?

Marine biology is a form of wildlife biology that studies animals in salt water environments. A degree in marine biology will provide student with the knowledge necessary to understand, study and evaluate such animals and how they operate in their environment.

Marine biology is typically pursued at the graduate level, with interested students obtaining an undergraduate degree in a related field, commonly biology though not necessarily. An understanding of various sciences is required for marine biology, and experience traversing marine environments will be beneficial.

Students pursuing marine biology will learn about a variety of animals and organisms that occupy the sea, such as microscopic organisms, deep sea fish that live in sunless environments, crustaceans and mammals. Some marine biologists may choose to focus on a specific group or subgroup.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$99,860

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

62.88%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

8,120

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Marine Biology Degree

Brown University is one of the leading private Ivy League research universities in the country located in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, the university features an innovative, student-centered learning environment, giving importance to the curiosity, creativity, and intellectual joy of its over 10,000 students. Through its Open Curriculum system, students are given the freedom and flexibility to design their own course of study and to discover what they are passionate about.

The undergraduate ScB in Biology program at Brown is comprehensive and dynamic as it involves biological sciences courses and options for related sciences. Students are also expected to choose a track in one of the sub-disciplines available which include Cellular & Molecular Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Neurobiology, Marine Biology, or Physical Sciences. For more information, visit brown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Duke University is a research university located in Durham, North Carolina that aims to contribute to the local community, the state, the nation, and the world by providing a superior liberal education to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. Chartered in 1838 as a small school, the university is affiliated with the Methodist Church which reflects their mission in fostering a lively relationship between knowledge and faith.

At Duke University Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Biology features several concentrations in several biology subdisciplines. The top rated marine biology concentration focuses on the application of different specialties and skills in biology in studying particular organisms living in the marine environment. It also involves the understanding of the unique characteristics of the sea and its inhabitants as well as particular adaptations and relationships of those organisms to that environment. Go to biology.duke.edu to check the full curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California (USC) is the state’s oldest private research university located in Los Angeles, California. The university is considered the global center for arts, technology, and international business in the country. USC houses the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences as well as 21 academic schools and units.

The Marine and Environmental Biology Department at USC aspires to be recognized as a global center for the study of the structure of microbial ecosystems and enhancement of living marine resources. The department offers a Marine Biology minor as well as a Progressive Masters in Marine and Environmental Biology which both deal with understanding earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate, and sustainability specific to marine science. Learn more about the program at dornsife.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Originated as the southern branch of the California State Normal School in 1882, the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university based in Los Angeles, California. UCLA aims to create, disseminate, preserve, and apply knowledge for the betterment of society.

The Marine Biology degree at UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology focuses on the study of marine organisms and their environment. Students are also required to participate in the Marine Biology Quarter which provides opportunities for the students to experience the life of a marine biologist. Some undergraduates also publish their research in major peer-reviewed journals. Access the full program at eeb.ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1898, it aims to provide interdisciplinary programs to students all over the world to transform learners into leaders. The university prioritizes research and development in its curricula as it provides experience-powered learning through partnering with different corporations.

The Marine and Environmental Sciences Department at Northeastern offers a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology degree to provide a solid foundation in marine biology as well as an introduction to the ocean and coastal processes, and the ecology and evolution of marine organisms. The undergraduate program also involves participation in The Three Seas Program, a two-semester program that gives students a unique experience in study, fieldwork, and research across three specific locations: the Gulf of Maine, tropical coastal Panama, and the Pacific Northwest. Visit northeastern.edu to learn more.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is a private research university founded by the United Methodist Church in 1839. Currently, BU houses over 34,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries studying more than 300 programs of study offered by 17 schools and colleges.

At BU’s Biology Department, the specialization in Ecology & Conservation Biology offers students with several tracks in related fields such as Behavioral Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology among others. The program provides a comprehensive framework and hands-on experiences in ecology and conservation biology to prepare them for graduate study and careers in academia, the private sector, or government. More details about the program can be seen at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Considered as one of the world's leading public research universities, the University of California - San Diego or UC San Diego is located in the heart of La Jolla, California. The university intends to prepare the next generation of leaders worldwide to drive innovation through their passions to make the world a better place.

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology degree at UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography aims to develop students in understanding the biology of marine organisms and the biological and physical processes affecting these organisms and their coastal and oceanic ecosystems. The program involves a solid foundation in the natural sciences, an extensive core of marine biology courses, as well as a comprehensive laboratory and field courses. Explore the program at scripps.ucsd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

William and Mary or simply W&M is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Officially established in 1693, W&M is a cutting-edge research university providing world-class education at an exceptional value. It consistently ranks as one of the outstanding universities in the country as well as the programs their schools and units offer.

The School of Marine Science at W&M offers an undergraduate minor in Marine Science in collaboration with the Arts & Sciences. The minor introduces students to the global importance of marine ecosystems as well as their significance to society as a food source and climate regulator. The school also has available Masters and Ph.D. programs in Marine Science where students are given opportunities to participate in areas of applied research. More information is available at wm.edu.

Acceptance Rate

37.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With more than 17,000 students from around the world, the University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables, Florida. The university officially opened its doors in 1925 with the mission to serve the community by engaging in research and offers over 180 majors and programs by its 11 schools and colleges.

The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami‘s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is one of the leading institutions for oceanographic and atmospheric research and education in the United States. The BS degree in Marine Biology & Ecology is ideal for students aspiring for a technical career in government, research, or private industry as well as for those with plans to continue with graduate and professional studies. The department also offers graduate programs in Marine Biology and Ecology with a focus on Coral Reef and Coastal Ecology, Marine Organismal and Biomedical Science, Biological Oceanography, and Fisheries Science. Read more about the programs at bulletin.miami.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

One of the ten campuses of the University of California system, the University of California - Santa Barbara or UC Santa Barbara is a public research university in Santa Barbara, California. Officially established in 1958, UC Santa Barbara has five schools offering more than 200 undergraduate and graduate majors, degrees, and credentials.

The Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara is one of the few institutions offering an undergraduate program in Aquatic Biology. The program is perfect for students interested in marine biology, marine and freshwater ecology, and oceanography. The Aquatic Biology major provides extensive coursework as well as laboratory and field experience in both fresh and saltwater environments. Access the curriculum at undergrad.biology.ucsb.edu.

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Chartered in 1785 by the state of Georgia, the University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the oldest public land-grant research universities in the United States with its main campus in Athens, Georgia. UGA continues to provide hands-on learning and extensive research to its students as well as extensive outreach to the community. 

UGA’s Department of Marine Sciences, with 23 full-time faculty, is now offering an Marine Science major that provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the structure and function of marine systems and their interactions with the atmosphere. The major equips students with critical thinking skills as well as analytical tools needed in designing, performing, and interpreting scientific research in different environmental fields. Students with a major in Biology can also choose to enroll in Marine Biology as an area of emphasis. Check out the program at marsci.uga.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Storrs, Connecticut, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is one of the nation’s top 25 public research universities founded in 1881. The university with more than 32,000 diverse students and four regional campuses in Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury is built to inspire and seek solutions to critical issues inside and outside the university.

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences program at UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can be started at either Storrs or Avery Point campus, however should be completed at the Avery Point campus during the final two years. The program integrates courses in marine biology, chemistry, geology, and physics as well as courses in policy, law, economics, and resource management of the oceans to provide more comprehensive knowledge to students. Visit marinesciences.uconn.edu to access the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Established in 1861, the University of Washington (UW) is one of the oldest public research universities in the country located in Seattle, Washington. It is among the top universities in the world with more than 54,000 students annually. The university also has campuses in Tacoma and Bothell, Washington, as well as a world-class academic medical center.

The College of the Environment at UW offers a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology which is a full-time program where students are trained to examine and understand the relationship between science and society as preparation for careers in the field of marine biology. Students in the program are required to take the general education curriculum, science and mathematics courses, introduction to the marine environment, marine biology core curriculum, and advanced electives. The core subjects include Marine Ecology, Marine Evolutionary Biology, Marine Physiology, and Conservation and Management. At the end of the program, students are also required to finish an integrative field experience at Friday Harbor Labs or other similar sites. To know more about the program, go to marinebiology.uw.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Roman Catholic research university in San Diego, California which started as the San Diego College for Women in 1949. Inspired by faith with contemporary Catholic values, the university gives importance to academic excellence in its warm, diverse, and inspiring community of innovative and original thinkers in order to face society’s urgent and most pressing challenges.

The Department of Environmental and Ocean Sciences at USD offers an Environmental and Marine Sciences major which aims to provide knowledge in three pathways: marine ecology, environmental sciences, and environmental studies. Each pathway is designed with an interdisciplinary approach, either in the natural sciences or across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The major offers students challenging and conceptual training combined with practical hands-on experience in the field and laboratory. Read more about the program at sandiego.edu.

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Considered as one of the flagship universities of the State University of New York system, Stony Brook University (SBU) is a public research university founded in 1957 to provide secondary school teachers with knowledge in mathematics and science. The university, based in Stony Brook, New York, is now recognized as one of the important centers of learning and scholarship in the United States.

The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at SBU offers a lot of programs related to Marine Biology. A Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences is a highly interdisciplinary program that requires students to have an understanding and application of basic biology, and the physics and chemistry of the ocean. Other undergraduate programs include Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Marine Vertebrate Biology, and Coastal Environmental Studies. The school also offers combined degree programs such as Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences and Master of Science in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences where students can opt to apply for the graduate program during their senior year. Learn more at somas.stonybrook.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Started as the Los Angeles-Orange County State College, the California State University - Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university founded in 1949. The university is located in Long Beach, California, and is operating under the 23-school California State University system. CSULB aims to enhance students’ lives through providing high impact education, superior teaching and research, and action for the public good.

At CSULB College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology is available for undergraduates who plan to continue graduate studies in marine biology, as well as for those who aim to have a career in the private industry or governmental agencies. Students under the program take in extensive experience in the study of marine organisms and marine biological processes in both field and laboratory. The college also offers a Master of Science in Biology for graduate students with original research in marine biology. Explore the programs at csulb.edu.

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

First opened in 1876, Texas A&M University is the state’s first public institution of higher learning based in College Station, Texas. The university is one of the largest institutions in the United States with more than 69,000 students in its College Station campus alone. Texas A&M is dedicated to preparing future leaders through its 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs as options for study.

The BS degree in Marine Biology at the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University provides a high impact, hands-on learning through courses offering laboratory and field-based experiences. The program includes a wide range of topics such as fish physiology, marine mammalogy, coastal plant ecology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, and marine conservation. The department also participates in the Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program which offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Marine Biology in collaboration with the marine biology faculty of three campuses of the university: College Station, Galveston, and Corpus Christi. Explore the program at tamu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

As a member of the 10-campus University of California system, the University of California - Santa Cruz is a public university in Santa Cruz, California. The university officially opened in 1965 with only 650 students and is currently housing almost 20,000 students. UC Santa Cruz is known for conducting high-impact research which mirrors its commitment to student success as well as access to education and information.

At UC Santa Cruz, the BS in Marine Biology degree offers a good introduction to marine ecosystems, the great diversity of marine organisms as well as their coastal and oceanic environments. The major provides an emphasis on the basic principles that can help students understand the processes happening in marine environments. Plenty of students are given the opportunity to do laboratory and field coursework and research in a diversity of marine ecosystems. Check out the full program at ucsc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Rutgers University - New Brunswick, established as early as 1771, is the oldest campus among the three regional campuses of Rutgers University. It is a member of the most prestigious group of research universities in the United States. The university is located in the heart of New Brunswick, New Jersey with the mission to make an impact through its scholarship, research, and community service.

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Sciences at Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences at New Brunswick campus offers a comprehensive curriculum in the study of the marine environment and its interactions with the earth. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach requiring students to apply principles of physics, geology, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in the same campus also offers a minor in Marine Sciences. For more information, go to rutgers.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Located in Winter Park, Florida, Rollins College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1885 that made the first post-secondary programs available in the state. The college features their signature approach called Rollins Gateway in their goal to prepare students for meaningful lives and productive careers. Rollins offers about 30 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs across its three schools.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology at Rollins, with the help of the Morrow Fund which is an internal scholarship granted to the Department of Biology, features a graduate-level laboratory and field research in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Maine. The program focuses on working with diverse marine ecosystems to provide hands-on learning and exploration to students. Students are given the chance to take internships and volunteer work to help them build their resume and future career. More details are available at rollins.edu.

Acceptance Rate

58.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Originally a private academy called Newark College in 1743, the University of Delaware (UD) is one of the oldest universities in the country located in Newark, Delaware. Today, the university has been offering research-intensive undergraduate and graduate programs as well as technologically advanced facilities and laboratories across its eight colleges.

UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment features several programs related to our planet’s natural systems, Taking a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science offered by the School of Marine Science and Policy provides an in-depth understanding in Marine Biology and Science, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Science, Oceanography and Chemistry. Since the campus is close to bodies of water, students can take advantage of the resources available as well as on UD’s other campus on the coast in Lewes. Access the details of the program at udel.edu.

Acceptance Rate

71.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of South Carolina (U of SC) - Columbia is the state’s flagship public research university founded in 1801. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, the university is part of the 8-campus in the University of South Carolina system. U of SC Columbia has evolved into a major research university dedicated to making an impact on communities across the world.

The College of Arts and Sciences at U of SC Columbia offers a highly-regarded and collaborative Bachelor of Science in Marine Science degree that provides students with extensive instruction and hands-on technical and field experiences in the study of the oceans. Some of the courses include Biology of Marine Organisms, Physical Oceanography, Chemistry of the Sea, and Field and Laboratory Investigations in Marine Sciences. The School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment in the same college also offers a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Marine Science. Visit sc.edu to inquire about application details.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Founded in 1883 as South Florida Institute, Florida Southern College (FSC) is the oldest private college located in Lakeland, Florida. It is recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges offering a one-of-a-kind living and learning experience. FSC, with nearly 3,500 students, remains committed to engaged learning to make a positive impact on society.

FSC offers a BS degree Marine Biology where students collaborate with the faculty to conduct independent studies, research projects, fieldwork, off-campus expeditions, and scientific conferences. The program is focused on the fascinating diversity of animals and plants in the marine environment and their interactions with the earth and society. During the program, students are also given the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Bahamas to further their explorations and knowledge in the world's marine environments. See the full program at flsouthern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

52.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University (Hampton U) is a dynamic and progressive private research university founded in 1868. It is among the first historically black universities in the world offering a wide range of technical, liberal arts education, and graduate degree programs. Today, Hampton U continues to fulfill its mission of providing academic achievement and excellence.

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Science at Hampton U is an interdisciplinary program that integrates core concepts on general biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students are required to complete a senior research thesis in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Upon completion of the program, graduates are highly qualified to enter either the workforce in the areas of environmental law, environmental protection, and consulting or graduate schools in areas of environmental science, oceanography, and marine science. For further information about the program, go to science.hamptonu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Catholic university based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1963, it is one of the most forward-looking Catholic universities in the country. SHU has numerous locations within the state as well as international campuses in Luxembourg and Ireland. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the fields of arts and sciences, nursing, engineering, business, computer science, and social work.

The College of Arts and Sciences at SHU offers a Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Marine Science where students have the opportunity to learn the core concepts of marine science as well as to conduct research as part of a team that finds solutions to today’s environmental challenges. The program has a broad science curriculum that emphasizes marine and estuarine sciences and ecological and environmental sciences. There are several areas of exploration available to the students namely Marine Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Animal Behavior, and Environmental Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. The Marine Biology track explores oceans and estuaries, coastal management, and invertebrate biology. Students in the track are encouraged to participate in the study of dolphin conservation in the Bahamas and a semester-long of international classes in Dingle, Ireland. Learn more about the program at sacredheart.edu.

Acceptance Rate

63.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Facts about Marine Biology

Did you know approximately 68% of the earth is covered by oceans and seas? Given the sheer size and scope of this water mass, it is not surprising to learn that underwater & aquatic life is immense. On average, an oceans depth is around two and a half miles deep with entire worlds we have yet to discover.

It is not difficult to surmise the number of animals, plant life, organisms, biological habitat, and underwater ecology has much to offer humans. Marine biologists are at the heart of research, analysis, exploration, documentation, and restoration of sea life across the world.

What Classes Do Marine Biologists Take?

A marine biology curriculum will vary from school to school given their unique curricular design and resources. Most students in this sector of biology will take an array of classes that may include the following courses of study:

  • Marine Ecology
  • Biology of Fishes
  • Chemistry
  • Comparative Animal Physiology
  • Invertebrate Zoology
  • Biology
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Physics
  • Evolution

What Does a Marine Biologist Do?

A marine biologist will perform a wide variety of duties defined by the vocation, industry, sector, and job responsibilities defined by their employer. Some of the career tracks for a marine biologist include:

  • High School Teacher
  • College Professor
  • Research Scientist
  • Government Consultant
  • Lab Tech
  • Zoologist
  • Aquarium Specialist
  • Molecular Biologist
  • Marine Biotechnology
  • Hydrologist
  • Game Warden & Fish Warden

The work setting for a marine biologist wholly depends on the job you elect to pursue after graduation. For example, working as a consultant or research scientist will be a combination office work, computer research, and field work.

The variety of working in an office, attending meetings, completing research analysis coupled with hands-on work in the field may be appealing to some prospective professionals. On the other hand, a research vessel analyst will spend the vast majority of their working hours collecting and analyzing with minimal office hours.

Marine Biology Degree Online

Here at MatchCollege, we are often asked by students to help them find colleges that offer marine biology degrees. As a result of the demand for marine biology data, we have created this resource page to help you find on-site and online marine biology degrees.

A number of accredited colleges and universities offer online options for marine biologist degrees along with classroom-based degree tracks. In either case, students will have access to top-tier professors, a robust curriculum, and hands-on learning modalities.

To learn more about online marine biology degree options, simply request more information from the schools listed below or visit our proprietary online college matching portal today to learn more.

Marine Biology Areas of Specialty

Within the niche field of marine biology, there are a wide range of specialties and subspecialties to consider as a vocational path. Students looking to enter the field may find the following list of marine biology concentrations a fascinating addition to the world of sea life and the study of underwater activity. A sample of areas of study within marine biology include the following:

  • Microbial and plankton ecology
  • Systems ecology, particularly in salt marshes and estuaries
  • Molecular marine biology
  • Nekton ecology & behavior, with concentrations in: Sea Turtles, Estuarine, Coastal Fish, Marine Mammals, Sharks
  • Invertebrate ecology
  • Invasion biology and ecology
  • Plankton Ecology: Plankton life, Nutrient dynamics, Algal blooms
  • Crustaceans & animal behavior
  • Physiological ecology of marine organisms
  • Community ecology
  • Sclerochronology
  • Salt marsh ecology & wetland restoration
  • Molluscan ecology
  • Seagrass photosynthesis

Employment in Marine Biology

Careers in marine biology are generally limited to research positions through private organizations, government organizations and research institutions. Some may find careers in commercial positions, such as fisheries. Research positions are limited in their availability, primarily due to funding limitations in any given year for new projects versus ongoing projects. This is not to say opportunities are unavailable, only that competition is high and most will work in assistant positions at first.

Due to the increased interest in environmental concerns, some growth is expected in wildlife biology, which includes marine biology. The increased levels of pollution in salt water environments and overfishing have created a need for qualified professionals to study and offer solutions to encroaching problems.

Such positions, as noted above, will also be competitive, as will grants and other funding sources that will allow for research. Some research opportunities will take place on site, typically boats or beaches/shores and may require diving operations in order to conduct tests or obtain samples.

Marine Biologist Salary

The average salary of a wildlife biologist is between $45,000 and $110,000 a year, with experienced and highly educated individuals typically receiving salaries in the upper end of the spectrum and assistants and recent graduates occupying the lower. Individuals interested in marine biology may also be interested in wildlife biology, biology and zoology.

For more information on a career path in biology, visit our Definitive Career Guide in Biology on our blog. As an additional resource, you can also read our blog post titledTop College Degrees for Animal Lovers or visit the MarineBio site.

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