Marine Biology

Marine biology is a college major in which students study the ocean environment and the various forms of life that exist in marine ecosystems. Conservation is a major topic in marine biology, and professors engage students in discussions on some of the major issues affecting the world’s oceans, such as climate change, oil spills, illegal dumping, overfishing and the hunting of endangered marine animals. Students in this major take many advanced courses in the physical and biological sciences. Other courses you might encounter in marine biology might include: evolution & diversity of marine life; biostatistics; ichthyology (the study of fish); marine mammalogy (the study of marine mammals); wetlands and mangrove ecology; and aquatic toxicology.

Eco-conscious individuals who are math and science minded and have a deep appreciation for the ocean and ocean life should consider a major in marine biology. The major can be especially interesting to those who want to enter rewarding careers in conservation or marine zoology. A major in marine biology can prepare you for a variety of fascinating careers. Those careers might include: hydrologist, fishery biologist, biological technician or marine preserve manager. Marine biologists are usually prepared at the graduate level, from which they can move on to be researchers, scientists or educators in marine biology.