You will spend your day as a marine biologist learning how various aquatic organisms communicate with each other, as well as how human behavior affects those species. To advance the survival and safety of these ecosystems, you will use your results and you may even collaborate with other research professionals to create far-reaching solutions.
You have made a wise decision if you are considering a degree in marine biology, but once you find yourself looking at program options, all the choices that are out there can overwhelm you. Students should enroll in the curriculum that will most closely align with their career aspirations and life conditions. A quality curriculum will include comprehensive training in key science classes such as botany, herpetology, and ecology, as well as specialized technology training on topics such as geographic information systems (GIS).
In this article, we have consolidated the top colleges in the U.S to study Marine Biology. The schools have a detailed program designed specifically for the likes of the students who want to pursue the subject. Keeping in mind how opportunities are the best source to move forward in life along with hard work, these schools open up varied opportunities to their deserving students.
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College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University
The undergraduate degree is nothing short of remarkable, while Boston University does not have any graduate degrees in marine biology. The Boston University Marine Program affectionately referred to as BUMP, is located within the College of Arts and Sciences at Boston University. In fields such as marine conservation, functional genomics, ocean exploration, and more, there are various researches that the program carries out. This is a highly interdisciplinary program that introduces students to a number of biology, chemistry, geology, and oceanography courses.
For several reasons, Boston University is a common option for undergraduate students, but one of the most important is that it offers a Marine Semester that enables students to take courses in marine biology in a more hands-on setting. This semester requires intensive study at several locations in New England as well as at the Belize Barrier Reef. Students collaborate with professors from Boston University and scientists from renowned institutions such as the University of Belize, the Aquarium of New England, and NOAA. Graduates move on to high-profile graduate schools and careers in commercial, educational, political, and non-profit environments because of the experiences and recognition afforded by this opportunity.
Founded In: 1839
Tuition: $75,002
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Ranking: 1
Contact: 617-353-2000
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Located in Chapel Hill, NC, the University of North Carolina offers several degree programs that focus on marine sciences. This school offers both advanced and intermediate courses in marine sciences, with a plethora of graduate and undergraduate degree programs. As they build their course of study, this program allows students to work closely with departmental advisors. When they develop their own specializations relevant to their majors, students will be given exclusive access to departmental services and facilities. While the study plan of each student will differ depending on the chosen pathway, most students will follow classes in subjects such as Marine Climate, Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science, and many more. The University of North Carolina is unique in that it offers a variety of generous options for financial assistance to students. As part of research honors projects, students get access to exclusive guided research, working closely with faculty members for course credit.
Founded In: 1789
Tuition: $244,288
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ranking: 2
Contact: 919-962-2211
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Eckerd College
In St. Petersburg, FL, Eckerd College is located. This area is idyllic with its clear weather and stunning scenery, but it is also suitable for students interested in graduating in marine biology. Eckerd is close to the coast and provides four fields of expertise in the field of marine biology: marine geophysics, marine geology, marine biology, and marine chemistry. This school, a small, close-knit university, blends comprehensive research opportunities with professional preparedness, intensive laboratory experience, and affordable options for funding. This curriculum is extremely hands-on, encouraging learners to step outside the classroom to learn more about the Gulf of Mexico’s different marine biological systems. The Galbraith Marine Science Lab enables students in particular environments, such as dolphins or wetland regeneration, to participate in a hands-on field study.
Founded In: 1958
Tuition: $63,572
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Ranking: 3
Contact: 800-456-9009
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UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
The marine biology degree at UCLA is a strong standout providing students with all the skills they need to excel upon graduation in the workforce. This degree is intended for students wishing to specialize in marine biology, while at the same time allowing subjects such as the physiology of marine life, subtidal and intertidal ecology, and oceanography to be customized. Students must first take a series of core life sciences courses before students can follow the advanced coursework set out as part of the thrilling, hands-on program. Transfer students are admitted by the university, providing credit for most interactions. This curriculum is unique in that it offers a quarter of marine biology. This quarter is structured to help students create their research projects and then conduct them. These are not limited to on-campus studies: for these projects, many learners travel abroad, participating in a cutting-edge study in places such as Australia. The school has a variety of interesting related programs, such as minors in Conservation Biology and Evolutionary Medicine followed by graduate programs in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Founded In: 1919
Tuition: $35,793
Location: Los Angeles, California
Ranking: 4
Contact: 310-825-4321
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Hatfield Marine Science Center- Oregon State University
Oregon State University is based in Corvallis, Oregon. Through the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the marine biology program is intended for students who do not necessarily have a background in marine biology or ecology. In this degree program, which has three distinct starting terms during the year, students who have biology or non-biology majors can participate. This program is offered as a specialization within the major of biology, allowing students to emphasize marine biology study and epiretinal courses, putting this discipline at the centre of their studies. This program is unique in that the curriculum is divided into three blocks by the Hatfield Marine centre. Students take coursework in marine biology in the spring. They will study marine and environmental studies in the summer, and students will take coastal ecology and resource management courses in the fall.
Founded In: 1965
Tuition: $27,915
Location: Newport, Oregon
Ranking: 5
Contact: 541-867-0100
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University of Maine
Established in 1865, the University of Maine is a public university. More than 30 different faculty members with specialities in marine sciences are working at the University of Maine, home to the largest concentration of experts in the entire state. The University of Maine’s marine biology program, considered one of the best programs in the United States, is available in both undergraduate and graduate fields of study. The University of Maine’s location is suitable for students who want to study marine ecology. Learners will have direct interaction with marine intertidal and subtidal species and, as part of their research, will be able to visit hatcheries, aquaculture sites, and commercial fishing ports. The major includes studying for between 82 and 85 credit hours. All students are also expected to complete a capstone requirement prior to graduation, in addition to the core coursework. This can take many forms, including a marine ecology seminar, a marine biology seminar, or a senior thesis.
Founded In: 1965
Tuition: $20,968
Location: Augusta, Maine
Ranking: 6
Contact: 207-621-3000
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School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering at University of New Hampshire
The School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering is the first interdisciplinary school at the University of New Hampshire and provides one-of-a-kind marine science courses. This curriculum is designed to provide the skills and education required for students interested in marine and freshwater biology to pursue a wide range of careers and graduate studies. Students may specialize in a field of interest, such as aquaculture or animal behaviour. As the interdisciplinary nature of this curriculum indicates, when participating in marine science studies, students at the University of New Hampshire may participate in classes from several different departments. There are sufficient opportunities for candidates to engage in scientific policy growth, and they can learn more about strategies for the best use of marine resources.
Founded In: 1866
Tuition: $34,472
Location: New Hampshire
Ranking: 7
Contact: 603-862-1000
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School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University
In all of its programs, Stony Brook University uses the influence of hands-on learning, but there are few programs that, like the marine biology program, carry this philosophy to life. The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, which is one of the nation’s top oceanographic institutions, administers the degree. Students perform routine study and public programs as a consequence. Students are expected to incorporate their knowledge of all fundamental sciences, including chemistry, physics, and biology, into this interdisciplinary curriculum. Study and internships are encouraged facets of the program, with many possibilities available for experiential learning. The members of the faculty are at the forefront of developing research and solutions for regional environmental and global ocean and atmospheric issues.
Founded In: 1996
Tuition: $27,221
Location: Stony Brook, New York
Ranking: 8
Contact: 631-632-8700
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California State University- Long Beach
The Marine Biology Bachelor of Science is only one program that is offered at the university. Students can also opt to pursue a marine biology graduate degree. The completion of small upper-division lectures and laboratory classes is necessary for this degree. These are taught by members of the faculty who have terminal marine biology degrees and allow students to take regular field trips to nearby estuaries, intertidal ecosystems, and bays. Students will perform original science studies, which prepares them well for resource management organizations and graduate study jobs related to marine biology. California State University-Long Beach provides students with numerous opportunities to participate in hands-on research opportunities. A shark lab, home to real live sharks, as well as a marine laboratory, and the Long Beach Marine Institute are home to the school.
Founded In: 1949
Tuition: $25,258
Location: Long Beach, California
Ranking: 9
Contact: 562-985-4111
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