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Marine biology colleges give students a chance to study and explore
the oceanic sciences, and learn about the animal habitat and
wildlife on the ocean floor. Marine biologists are involved with
research and the scientific study of ocean geology, animals, and
plants. A marine biology degree covers a wide range of subjects
to help students learn about marine life, chemistry, and physics
for fieldwork and ecological research. Students at a marine
biology college can take part in a variety of deep sea
explorations, working with marine mammals and organisms, as well
as performing tests and experiments in a marine lab.
What is Marine Biology?
Marine biology is the study and exploration of marine mammals, plants, and
wildlife living on the ocean floor. It covers a vast spectrum of knowledge and
includes the study of botany, chemistry, mammalogy, and conservation. Many
marine biologists are also involved with environmental preservation and zoo
rescue, and a marine biology degree can branch out into many specializations in
the study of aquatic organisms and oceanic history. Studies in marine geology,
conservation, and the technical aspects of marine biology offer many rewarding
opportunities for a successful marine biology career.
Job Description and Responsibilities After Marine Biology College
Students who complete coursework and training at a marine biology college can
pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding career paths in the field. Common
responsibilities of a marine biologist or researcher include:
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Research of marine and aquatic organisms
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Studying the biochemical processes of fresh water organisms and plants
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Planning and conducting experiments
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Studying marine plants and animals as well as their behavior and interactions
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Reporting on the interdependency of the environment and ocean animals
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Monitoring marine communities
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Educating people on research findings and results
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Collecting and studying samples
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Discovering and recording new species
Career Options With a Marine Biology Education
A marine biology education program at marine biology colleges and schools offers
comprehensive training for a variety of rewarding careers. Examples of marine
biology careers and job opportunities include:
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Marine Biologist
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Marine Mammal Specialist
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Naturalists
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Marine Biology Team Managers
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Marine Biology Educators
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Aquarium Directors
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Conservationists
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Ecologists
Skills Acquired with a Marine Biology Degree
Students of a marine biology college can gain advanced knowledge and specialized
skills in scientific research methods and application. Many marine biology
schools encourage students to take part in an internship to further refine their
skills and earn college credit. Skills acquired with a marine biology education
include:
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Scientific method development and application
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Strong critical thinking and research skills
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Analysis and experimentation
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Reporting and data collection
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Publishing experimental reports and results
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Networking with other biologists and scientists
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Fieldwork experience
Marine
Biology Colleges: Programs, Classes and Courses
Training in marine biology careers involves both hands-on lab experiments and
research, as well as classroom instruction to understand basic scientific
principles and research methods. Students may be involved with using
computerized laboratory equipment, and studying a variety of disciplines
including mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Marine biology careers
are generally limited to research and fieldwork; most students need to pursue a
marine biology education beyond the bachelor's degree in order to continue in
the field.
Marine biology colleges are usually a part of the natural and applied science
division of colleges and universities. A marine biology school offers students
in-depth training and course of study, with classes such as:
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Scale and Process in Marine Biology
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Field Investigations
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Diseases of Aquatic Animals
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Biological Oceanography
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Marine Ecology
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Design of Oceanographic Field Experiments
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Conservation Genetics
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Marine Mammalogy
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Sustainable Fisheries
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Marine Resources and Conservation Management
Students who choose a specialization within their marine biology degree program
can also explore marine biology careers in oceanic history, aquatic restoration,
biological oceanography, or molecular studies. With today's advancing
technologies in science and research, students can gain the hands-on experience
they need from a formal marine biology school or college. Lab training and
supervised fieldwork studies help students gain a well-rounded and balanced
education in the field.
Marine Biology Schools Accreditation
Most marine biology colleges and schools are accredited by the regional
Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and/or the regional Higher
Commission on Learning. Each state may also offer independent accreditation to
marine biology schools.
Employment Prospects and Job Options with a Marine Biology Career
A marine biology career can branch out into a variety of
specialized studies and research, allowing scientists to work in teams and
publish their research findings. Some marine biologists work on research ships
where they collect information and conduct experiments on board, while others
work in a lab to record results, discover and report new organisms, and record
results. Marine biology is a highly specialized division of biological science,
and there are very few openings in the field. Marine biologists are often
required to work in the field, and almost all marine biologists who work in
research have earned a Ph.D.
Median annual earnings for a marine biologist with a bachelor's
degree are approximately $29,000 per year, and those with a master's degree can
earn up to $35,000 per year. Salaries for a marine biology career are much lower
than those of other biological scientists such as microbiologists or
conservational researchers. Related occupations include:
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