Picking a Marine Biology School

You may be wondering, can you get a marine biology degree online? Marine biology is a field that requires a great deal of in-person learning, but there are a number of online and hybrid programs available to interested students. When applying for marine biology schools, consider what level of study is right for you and what practical field opportunities are available in the area. Marine biology is a hands-on field, so online training is fairly uncommon, but not unheard of. It may be possible to take a few foundational marine biology courses online. When looking at marine biology schools, students should primarily consider program types and field experience opportunities, along with their own career goals.

Program Type

Marine biology programs in schools and universities are typically research-intensive, requiring students to conduct lab work and field excursions. As a result, full-fledged online marine biology programs are uncommon. However, hybrid programs are available that allow undergraduates to take some basic and general education marine biology classes online. These course resources are normally available to students through Blackboard or other course delivery platforms. Graduate programs in marine biology, on the other hand, are normally entirely on-campus. Before enrolling in one of these programs, students should think about their time and travel constraints. If you’re not sure if you want to study marine biology full-time, look into some free online marine biology courses or even distance learning possibilities for a marine biology diploma.

Career Goals

Students who graduate with a marine biology bachelor’s degree can qualify for entry-level jobs as research technicians for environmental consulting firms or nonprofit agencies. However, according to some schools, a graduate degree is often necessary to advance in this field. Students interested in acquiring additional job responsibilities or earning better pay may want to consider earning a master’s degree in this field. Those who earn a doctorate in marine biology will be prepared for managerial positions in industry or direct policy for government agencies. Graduates of these programs may also teach in colleges or universities.

Field Experiences

Common Marine Biology Programs

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Students may earn a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, or they could major in biology and pursue a marine biology concentration. Field experiences for these programs typically last over the course of 1-2 summer semesters. Undergraduate courses in this field can include:

• Marine mammalogy
• Phycology
• Plant biology
• Oceanography
• Invertebrate zoology

Master of Science in Marine Biology

Master of Science in Marine Biology programs allow students to conduct advanced research in their areas of interest. These programs may offer thesis options to students interested in research careers and non-thesis options to students who would like to use their training in their current positions. Master’s-level marine biology courses might cover topics such as:

• Aquaculture
• Coral reproduction
• Genomics
• Marine ecosystems

Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology

Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology programs offer students elective courses that are used to complete research for their dissertations. Some programs also require students to complete teaching practica. Doctoral coursework includes:

• Environmental science
• Physiology and biochemistry
• Evolution and diversity
• Ecology

Marine Biology Colleges Online

Although online programs specifically in marine biology aren’t typically available, related online programs in fields such as fisheries and wildlife sciences or conservation sciences can offer relevant coursework for prospective or experienced marine biologists.

University of Florida

The University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation provides an online master’s degree program in fisheries and aquatic sciences. The curriculum focuses on marine biological resource conservation and sustainable development. It is tailored to existing working professionals in the industry, such as marine biologists, who wish to further their careers by earning a graduate degree. Students will need an up-to-date computer with enough internet speed and antivirus protection, as well as a webcam and microphone. Field photography may require the use of a camera.

Oregon State University

At Oregon State University, you can study marine biology topics in an online bachelor’s degree program in fisheries and wildlife sciences, which educates students about the environment and teaches them how to maintain the balance of habitats. While this program can be studied largely online, students are required to complete an internship in order to graduate.

Unity College

Unity College is an unusual candidate that does offer an entire online marine biology degree. The undergraduate degree in marine biology and sustainable aquaculture can be completed via distance learning. Students can still benefit from one-on-one instruction and advice from professors and advisors. While this may be an excellent option for some students, especially those with a particular interest in sustainability, it does have the disadvantage of lacking laboratory work and hands-on experience that is often very beneficial for science degrees. The degree is 120 credits in length and can be completed on a flexible schedule.

In summary, opportunities for field experience can be very helpful when you are applying for jobs in marine biology, so take note of what specific schools have to offer in terms of hands-on research and resources. Marine biology degrees aren’t available online, but hybrid programs in related fields are designed to give students hands-on experience.

From Tiny Plankton To Huge Whales: Marine Biology Degree

Do you have a love of the ocean and a keen interest in the types of organisms that thrive in saltwater? Would you like to work in a field where you get to study marine life, their various habitats and the influence that external factors have on these? If so, a degree in marine biology can prepare you for this hands-on field where you get to hone both your research and laboratory skills. It is a great area of study for anyone who love the natural environment and would like to ensure that marine life continues to thrive. Whether you are interested in working with marine animals, studying their habitats or even microscopic organisms living in the ocean, a marine biology degree is one of the best ways to get your feet wet in this industry.

Marine Biology Degree Information

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

The Bachelor In Science In Marine Biology degree typically takes about four years to complete and is aimed at teaching students all the required skills to become a modern marine biologist. The first two years of a marine biology degree usually focus on core biology modules along with other modules that will help with understanding the advanced modules in marine biology that comes later. Usually in the third year of study the focus changes from broad-themed modules to ones that are more specialized around marine biology while in the fourth year the emphasis is on specific research in the chosen area of students. Course topics may include Biology, Research methods in Biology, Ecology, Vertebrate Zoology, Comparative Physiology, Aquatic Ecology, Developmental Biology, Biology of Marine Organisms and Ecosystems and Conservation.

Master of Science in Marine Biology

Students who have a strong interest in marine research as well as oceanography and conservation can follow their bachelor’s degree with a two year Master of Science in Marine Biology degree course. This type of degree is designed to prepare students for careers where they might be required to conduct their own research in the field as well as in labs. This degree also enables students to take a closer look at ecosystems and the ecology of the ocean. Many courses at this level also feature a period of internship along with independent research projects. Course topics typically include Oceanography, Ocean and Coastal Sustainability, Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Coral Reef Ecology, Marine Conservation Biology and more.

Marine Biology Degree FAQs

Is It Possible To Study Marine Biology Online?

There are no entirely online marine biology degrees available, as there are none for most science-based degrees. Individual courses can be taken online, but because this degree requires a lot of field and lab experience, the majority of the coursework must be completed on campus. For students who require more flexibility, hybrid programs may be available, which combine face-to-face and online courses.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study Marine Biology?

Because marine biology requires a lot of knowledge, students who are interested in this area should have a strong scientific background. In addition to being concerned about safeguarding natural ecologies, having a love for nature in general and the sea in particular would be advantageous. It’s a field that’s perfect for persons who are responsible and can work well with others in a group setting. What sets marine biology apart from other scientific professions is that it frequently necessitates outstanding physical fitness, since you may be required to dive or spend a significant amount of time at sea on board research vessels.

Other key skills that are required for marine biology is critical thinking, active learning and listening, as well as complex problem-solving abilities. Finally, students who want to study marine biology should also be comfortable working with various scientific and analytical software. Although most institutions have their own entry requirements, it is recommended to have subjects like physical sciences, mathematics as well as life sciences to prepare for studying marine biology.

What Type of Career Options Are Potentially Available After Studying Marine Biology?

The most popular professional route for students with a degree in marine biology is that of a marine biologist, however this is far from the sole one. Marine policy specialist, environmental analyst, aquarist, oceanographer, marine animal trainer, marine geologist, environmental consultant, clinical researcher, pollution control chemist, zoologist, wildlife biologist, and many other careers are all attainable with a marine biology degree. Universities, commercial fishing companies, museums, the National Parks Board, Environmental Affairs and Tourism ministries, and the Oceanographic Research Institute are among the key employers for professionals in this field, in addition to being self-employed as consultants.

What Type of Responsibilities Might I Have When Working In This Type of Industry?

Since there are numerous career paths in the field of marine biology, it is difficult to pinpoint exact duties. Your responsibilities will depend largely on whether your primary work is in the field of academia, research or whether you work in the private industry. Common duties include studying animals in their natural habitats, the identification and classification of animals, performing assessments to see what effects factors like industry or the environment has on animals as well as the dissemination of information. Some jobs have more administrative duties while others might require more time in the field or labs doing research.

How Much Can I Potentially Earn After Completing A Marine Biology Degree?

Although the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics does not list salary information for marine biologists, the 2019 median pay for zoologists and wildlife biologists is about $63,270 per year. The actual salaries for people who are employed in this field depends largely on the type of employer they work for, the position they have and how much experience they have. Your geographical location can also play a large role in how much you earn in this type of industry.

What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Marine Biology?

Aside from the delight of learning new things about marine life, most marine biology jobs allow you to work both outdoors and indoors. It’s ideal if you like to try new things and do something different every day at work because no two days are ever the same. Finally, if you appreciate the excitement of discovery, you’ll enjoy working in the field of marine biology. Because marine life can be found all over the world, depending on your job and studies, you may be able to go to exotic regions. Marine biologists also go to school because it is a field that requires a lot of learning and research.