Are you fascinated by ocean life? Marine biology majors study how life thrives in the oceans. You’ll examine different species such as marine mammals, fish, and plants. You’ll also look at different aspects of ocean habitats and ecological environments, such as the chemical makeup of water and the ocean’s geology. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the water, and perhaps even spend a semester at sea!
Education
According to the College Board, this major is typically offered at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Classes within the marine biology major are science-centric, with chemistry, physics, and biology at its core. You’ll study a variety of subjects with a focus on their relevance to ocean life, such as botany, mammals, microbiology, and policy. Other classes will pertain to an in-depth study of oceanic species, including ichthyology (the study of fish) and phycology (the study of algae). In addition, marine biology majors are often required to do hands-on fieldwork to see marine life in its natural environment. For this reason, you may need to get your scuba certification or learn underwater photography.
What to know before you apply
As mentioned above, fieldwork can often be a valuable supplement to the marine biology major. Consider what kind of access you will have to the ocean when looking at schools. You’ll also want to get curious about which areas of marine biology are particularly interesting to you. Choose a school or program that emphasizes your areas of interest. This will ensure that you have access to the kinds of labs and independent research resources to explore your preferred focus.
Colleges offering related fields of study
Texas A&M University – Galveston: Galveston, TX
Salary
After graduating from the marine biology major, you’ll be continuing your studies in a way that’s relevant to real-life situations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marine biologists earned a median pay of $62,610 per year in 2013.
