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Itโ€™s not always easy to find the most updated information on the internet. Thankfully, this article provides you with more information on best marine biology graduate programs in the world, marine biology graduate programs florida & marine biology graduate programs requirements.

You will also find related posts on marine biology graduate programs australia, marine biology graduate programs hawaii & masters in marine conservation on collegelearners.

Best Marine Science and Marine Biology Programs: List of Top Schools

Marine biology emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving aquatic environments for marine mammals and organisms. Water covers a large portion of the Earth and supports an incredible amount of animal, plant, and microbe life. By studying marine biology, individuals can work to safeguard all life on Earth.

Some of the best marine biology colleges are located in states that are near the ocean, such as Oregon, Florida, and Maine. Explore a few of the best marine biology programs and learn what makes them unique.

  • Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
  • Sailors and marine oilers
  • Marine engineers and naval architects
  • Natural sciences managers

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Best Marine Biology Colleges

Schools across the country offer bachelor’s degree programs in marine biology and marine science, but there are very few if any online marine biology schools available, due to the hands-on nature of the field. Some of the best marine biology colleges provide students with a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, quality academic coursework and resources, and school reputation/prestige. Here is a list of some of the top marine biology schools in the United States:

  • California State University Monterey Bay
  • Stony Brook University
  • University of Washington
  • University of Oregon
  • University of New England
  • University of California Los Angeles
  • Oregon State University
  • Eckerd College
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of New Hampshire

Best Marine Biology Programs

Bachelor’s degree programs in marine science or marine biology are usually offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees and include hands-on learning and research experiences in labs and outdoors in marine environments. Some marine biology programs may be considered the best for the quality resources and experiences they offer, the availability of different concentrations, and more. Here we highlight a few of the best marine science and marine biology schools and what makes their undergraduate programs stand out.

University of Washington

The University of Washington in Seattle, WA, offers a BS in Marine Biology. This program covers topics in marine physiology, marine ecology, conservation, and more. Towards the end of the program students can choose from advanced electives offered in related departments, like the School of Oceanography and the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science. Students in the major are required to complete a field course or research experience at the university’s Friday Harbor Labs or other field site.

University of New England

The University of New England in Biddeford, ME, offers a BS in Marine Sciences with a track in marine biology or oceanography. The school also offers an honors program and a 4+1 BS/Master of Science (MS) option to allow students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in 5 years. The program offers unique courses in areas like polar biology, marine mammal policy, and underwater robotics, as well as hands-on experiences at the university’s own private island and Marine Science Center. Students in the program may also participate in student-centered education communities and research opportunities, using school resources like flow-through seawater teaching labs and research vessels.

Eckerd College

Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, has a bachelor’s degree program in marine science with available specializations in marine biology, marine geophysics, marine chemistry, or marine geology. Students receive hands-on training in the field on Tampa Bay in the school’s own water vessels. The program also offers a wide range of unique research opportunities, including the Eckerd College Dolphin Project. Students may also pursue internship, service learning, and study abroad opportunities while in the program.

Best Marine Science Graduate Programs

Some students may wish to pursue further study in the field of marine science beyond their bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs in marine science can include a wide range of topics, including marine conservation programs, marine biology, and marine science. Some of the best marine science graduate programs may be available at top schools for undergraduate programs, as well as other schools that offer top academic and research opportunities in the field. A few of these top graduate programs are offered at schools like:

  • University of California-San Diego
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks
  • University of New England
  • Stony Brook University
  • Duke University
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | University of Miami

Marine Biology Popular Schools

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.

An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:

  • programs & curriculum
  • career opportunities
  • tuition & financial aid
  • admissions & starting dates
  • 1Boston UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Massachusetts (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Boston University include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
    • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Bioinformatics
      • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Conservation Biology
        • Environmental Biology
        • Epidemiology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology and Immunology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Pharmacology and Toxicology
      • Physiology and Related Sciences
    Get Started with Boston UniversityResearch Boston University’s Programs
  • 2University of GeorgiaSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Georgia (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Georgia include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Bioinformatics
      • Botany
      • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Ecology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology and Immunology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Pharmacology and Toxicology
      • Zoology
    Get Started with University of GeorgiaResearch University of Georgia’s Programs
  • 3The University of AlabamaSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Alabama (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at The University of Alabama include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Microbiology and Immunology
    Get Started with The University of AlabamaResearch The University of Alabama’s Programs
  • 4University of ConnecticutSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Connecticut (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
    • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Bioinformatics
      • Botany
      • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Ecology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology and Immunology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Physiology and Related Sciences
      • Zoology
    Get Started with University of ConnecticutResearch University of Connecticut’s Degree Programs
  • 5Florida State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
    • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Bioinformatics
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Physiology and Related Sciences
    Get Started with Florida State UniversityResearch Florida State University’s Degree Programs
  • 6University of OregonSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Oregon (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Oregon include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
    • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Physiology and Related Sciences
    Get Started with University of OregonResearch University of Oregon’s Degree Programs
  • 7Western Washington UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Washington (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Western Washington University include:
    • Graduate: Master
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Botany
      • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Ecology
        • Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Zoology
    Get Started with Western Washington UniversityResearch Western Washington University’s Degree Programs
  • 8Troy UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Alabama (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Troy University include:
    • Graduate: Master
    • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
    Get Started with Troy UniversityResearch Troy University’s Programs
  • 9Southwestern CollegeSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Kansas (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Southwestern College include:
    • Graduate: Master
    • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
    Get Started with Southwestern CollegeResearch Southwestern College’s Programs
  • 10University of Massachusetts AmherstSchool InfoSchool locations:
    • Massachusetts (1 campus)
    Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Massachusetts Amherst include:
    • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
    • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
      • Botany
      • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
      • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
        • Evolutionary Biology
        • Marine Biology
      • General Biology
      • Microbiology and Immunology
      • Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
      • Physiology and Related Sciences
      • Zoology
    Get Started with University of Massachusetts AmherstResearch University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Programs

22 universities offer graduate programs in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography. University of California-San Diego had highest number of international students receiving a Master’s degree. University of Miami had the most women graduates in this program. Job outlook for Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than average for all occupations Median pay for Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography in 2018 was 119850$. The number of jobs were 54780. Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography – Updated 2020

Northeastern University

Ranked as: #42 in Best National UniversityTuition: $24,027State: MAAcceptance: 19.34%The Master of Science in Marine Biology is a professional masters program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in marine research, conservation, oceanography, and policy. The Master of Science in Marine Biology program delivers a unique combination of inquiry-based study, fieldwork, research, and workplace experience. A graduate degree, accelerated degree, or certificate from Northeastern a top 50 university can accelerate their career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world experience in their area of interest.

Master of Science in Marine Biology

An internship in the field and independent research project provide the capstone to the fifteen month graduate program. Much more than course work in a classroom, the MS in Marine Biologyโ€”Three Seas Program delivers inquiry-based curriculum in marine science during which the university students formulate research questions, design and conduct critical experiments, and interpret and present results.University of Miami

Ranked as: #48 in Best National UniversityTuition: $36,540State: FLAcceptance: 32.15%The Marine Biology and Ecology academic program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in a range of research areas, such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals. Graduate students can choose from a diversity of research areas and coursework taught by internationally recognized scientists studying corals and climate change, fisheries biology, and conducting biomedical research. Most successful applicants have a bachelorโ€™s degree in biological sciences including a strong foundation in physical sciences and basic biological sciences.

Marine Biology and Ecology Ph.D. and M.S. Programs

Texas A & M University-College Station

Ranked as: #68 in Best National UniversityTuition: $17,904State: TXAcceptance: 67.62%The Master of Science degree in Marine Biology is a joint degree program with Texas A M University, Texas A M University Galveston Campus and Texas A M Universityโ€“Corpus Christi. Students have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science degree.

Master of Science in Marine Biology Texas A M University, College Station, TX

The MS and PhD degrees in Marine Biology are taught by marine biologists within the Texas A M University System Master of Science, non-thesis option, with 36 total semester credit hours .University of Delaware

Ranked as: #76 in Best National UniversityTuition: $32,886State: DEAcceptance: 66.39%All students in the masterโ€™s program are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits. Students may bypass the masterโ€™s degree and work directly toward the PhD upon petition. Requirements for the PhD degree are similar to those for the masterโ€™s degree, but are more intensive. In addition to the required coursework, written and oral qualifying examinations are required before students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Marine Studies – Oceanography

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Ranked as: #99 in Best National UniversityTuition: $27,130State: NHAcceptance: 76.78%The Marine Biology option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers.

Biological Sciences: Marine Biology

Florida Institute of Technology

Ranked as: #127 in Best National UniversityTuition: $22,338State: FLAcceptance: 65.04%A master in marine biology from Florida tech gives graduates the educational foundation and hands-on research experience needed to enter a career in marine biology.

Marine Biology, M.S.

The Master of Science in Marine Biology prepares the student either for a professional career or for further graduate study. Admission decisions for fall semester enrollment are made by March 15, and for spring semester enrollment by October 1. The master of science degree requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours, including formal coursework, presentation of a graduate thesis seminar, and preparation and oral defense of a thesis.University of Maine

Ranked as: #127 in Best National UniversityTuition: $25,740State: MEAcceptance: 92.34%

Marine Biology

The University of Maineโ€™s Oceanography Program creates and communicates integrated understanding of oceanographic processes by weaving fundamentals from basic sciences and mathematics into a fully interdisciplinary, marine context.University of North Carolina Wilmington

Ranked as: #16 in Best Regional University in South CoastTuition: $18,548State: NCAcceptance: 61.25%The Biology and Marine Biology offers teaching assistantships to students enrolled in the biology master and marine biology master and Ph.D. Each teaching assistant will be assigned duties by the lab coordinator and graduate coordinator. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate.

Biology and Marine Biology

The Biology and Marine Biology offers a program of study and research leading to the doctor of philosophy in marine biology. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree.Western Washington University

Ranked as: #21 in Best Regional University in West Coast)Tuition: $21,474State: WAAcceptance: 87.66%The Marine and Estuarine Science option is a joint offering of the Department of Biology, Huxley College, and Shannon Point Marine Center.

Biology, Marine and Estuarine Science, Thesis, MS

Acevedo-Gutierrez, Alejandro, PhD, marine vertebrate ecology.Anderson, Roger A., PhD, vertebrate behavioral and physiological ecology.Arella Shawn, PhD, marine larval ecology and deep-sea ecology.Donovan, Deborah A., PhD, marine invertebrate physiological ecology.Kodner, Robin, PhD, quantitative marine biology.Miner, Benjamin G., PhD, marine invertebrate ecology and evolution.Moyer, Craig L., PhD, evolutionary molecular microbiology.Olson, M.Jacksonville University

Ranked as: #73 in Best Regional University in South CoastTuition: $14,274State: FLAcceptance: 89.93%Marine Science Graduate Program Master of Arts or Master of Science in Marine Science. Jโ€‹acksonville University Master of Arts in Marine Science and Master of Science in Marine Science degree programs are designed to provide graduates with the specific knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a variety of marine-related positions in industry, government and education, or for entry into doctoral marine science programs. Dual degree in public policy available, earn two degrees in 3 years.

Marine Science Graduate Program


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