6 answers
Blaire
Student
Phenix City, Alabama
2
Questions
Asked
1919 views
What would be good Majors and minors to go with?
I would like to work with whales and sharks as an adult. I am currently in the 9th grade. As of now I’m thinking marine biology with two minors in aquatic veterinary science (I believe that is the right name?) and marine animal psychology. Would those be good choices to go with?
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5 answers
Aulani McGee
21
Answers
Updated
Aulani’s Answer
Hello Blaire, thank you for sharing your question.
Working with whales and sharks is a wonderful and very unique career to pursue! If I’m not mistaken, you may be referring to aquatic veterinary medicine. Both you mentioned are excellent foundations exposing you to the proper areas you need as you are aspiring to work with whales and sharks. In addition, they are great minors that compliment marine biology. It is important to note that aquatic veterinary medicine and marine animal psychology focuses on different aspects. If you are looking to study the behavioral and cognitive processes of marine life, perhaps you may consider marine animal psychology. However, if you are looking towards studying medical treatment and medical care of marine species, I would recommend aquatic veterinary medicine.
Overall, choosing a minor will depend upon your personal, academic, and career goals. It is great that you are aware minors are available as most college students are unaware of this. Remember that it is not a demand to choose a minor, however, there are many benefits that you can acquire such as expanding your career opportunities and deepening your insight and knowledge. In result, furthering your expertise in your field of interest. As you come to your decision later on, it is also important to consider the potential disadvantages you may encounter. For instance, a dramatic increase in your workload which may interfere with your overall college experience. Including extracurricular activities, clubs, events, and personal matters such as time you may want to set aside for bonding and socializing with friends and family. Although, your time is restricted, it is possible to find a way to balance your time. You will learn how manage your time effectively, planning and scheduling with care for your studies and prioritizing other areas in your life that you find valuable. You'll be able to pinpoint these areas in which you find valuable as you progress in your educational journey.
I hope you found this helpful, I wish you success!
Working with whales and sharks is a wonderful and very unique career to pursue! If I’m not mistaken, you may be referring to aquatic veterinary medicine. Both you mentioned are excellent foundations exposing you to the proper areas you need as you are aspiring to work with whales and sharks. In addition, they are great minors that compliment marine biology. It is important to note that aquatic veterinary medicine and marine animal psychology focuses on different aspects. If you are looking to study the behavioral and cognitive processes of marine life, perhaps you may consider marine animal psychology. However, if you are looking towards studying medical treatment and medical care of marine species, I would recommend aquatic veterinary medicine.
Overall, choosing a minor will depend upon your personal, academic, and career goals. It is great that you are aware minors are available as most college students are unaware of this. Remember that it is not a demand to choose a minor, however, there are many benefits that you can acquire such as expanding your career opportunities and deepening your insight and knowledge. In result, furthering your expertise in your field of interest. As you come to your decision later on, it is also important to consider the potential disadvantages you may encounter. For instance, a dramatic increase in your workload which may interfere with your overall college experience. Including extracurricular activities, clubs, events, and personal matters such as time you may want to set aside for bonding and socializing with friends and family. Although, your time is restricted, it is possible to find a way to balance your time. You will learn how manage your time effectively, planning and scheduling with care for your studies and prioritizing other areas in your life that you find valuable. You'll be able to pinpoint these areas in which you find valuable as you progress in your educational journey.
I hope you found this helpful, I wish you success!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Blaire,
It's great that you are already certain that working with sharks and whales is what you want to do; this will make planning much easier. Anyone interested in huge marine animal studies, conservation, or ocean life might do well as a marine biology major. You can then employ minors or specific electives to shape your course.
A few ideas to think about:
- Aquatic Veterinary Science: Excellent if you have a preference for animal rehabilitation and health. (It is commonly referred to as Marine Veterinary Medicine or Aquatic Animal Health, and after earning your bachelor's degree, you will probably need to do veterinary school.)
- Psychology/Animal Behavior: A minor or specialization in behavioral ecology or animal behavior could address the "marine animal psychology" perspective.
- Chemistry or Environmental Science: Helpful if you’re interested in ocean chemistry, pollution, or conservation work.
- Statistics or Data Science: Research on marine mammals and sharks relies heavily on data; these skills make you stand out.
Now is not the time to lock everything in. You can take courses on animal health, ecology, and behavior in college after beginning with marine biology, and you can change your major if you find what most interests you. It's a big plus that you're considering majors and minors at this early stage.
Continue reading, volunteer (at aquariums or marine centers, for example), and see scientists whenever you can. The abilities you'll need to deal with the ocean's monsters one day are developed with each stage.
Best wishes!
It's great that you are already certain that working with sharks and whales is what you want to do; this will make planning much easier. Anyone interested in huge marine animal studies, conservation, or ocean life might do well as a marine biology major. You can then employ minors or specific electives to shape your course.
A few ideas to think about:
- Aquatic Veterinary Science: Excellent if you have a preference for animal rehabilitation and health. (It is commonly referred to as Marine Veterinary Medicine or Aquatic Animal Health, and after earning your bachelor's degree, you will probably need to do veterinary school.)
- Psychology/Animal Behavior: A minor or specialization in behavioral ecology or animal behavior could address the "marine animal psychology" perspective.
- Chemistry or Environmental Science: Helpful if you’re interested in ocean chemistry, pollution, or conservation work.
- Statistics or Data Science: Research on marine mammals and sharks relies heavily on data; these skills make you stand out.
Now is not the time to lock everything in. You can take courses on animal health, ecology, and behavior in college after beginning with marine biology, and you can change your major if you find what most interests you. It's a big plus that you're considering majors and minors at this early stage.
Continue reading, volunteer (at aquariums or marine centers, for example), and see scientists whenever you can. The abilities you'll need to deal with the ocean's monsters one day are developed with each stage.
Best wishes!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Blaire !
It is so awesome that you "want to work with" sharks and whales ! What exactly do you want to do in that field ? That will tell you what academic path to take.
Whatever you end up majoring in for this career, it sounds as though you may have to dedicate a lot of time to lab work and field work in addition to attending classes, so I would not advise going for a Minor. A minor in college is not necessary. You can take elective courses that relate to aquatic life while working on your Major, a major that qualifies you for your future specific career.
Another reason why it may be best to not focus on a Minor right now is that it is going to be about 4 more years until you attend college. You do not know what college you will attend. You will have to Major for you Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology. That would be a full program that you can get your Bachelors Degree in. Within that major program could very well be courses or chapters for you to learn marine animal psychology and you'd actually have to attend Veterinary School for a path for marine veterinary. So, I would like to reorient you to what you can do to prepare for this career and dwelling on a minor for college is not something that will help you at this time.
To become someone who works with whales and sharks, you will need to study all marine life, both the animal and non-animal kingdom. Colleges you can look into to see what their Marine Biology Programs are like are Auburn University, The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, University of North Alabama in Florence, The University of West Alabama in Livingston and Alabama State University in Montgomery also offer marine biology programs at the bachelor's level. Also look into Samford University in Birmingham as well as the University of Mobile in Mobile . If you want to prepare for this career, the best thing is to explore the colleges and their Marine Biology programs. That is what will be important for you upon graduating high school. Knowing what college to attend.
While you are in High School, take Biology and Chemistry for as many years as you can. Consider going for SCUBA Lessons now (you can at age 14) and obtaining a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. When you turn 15, you can upgrade that certification to a standard PADI Open Water Diver certification. You can get this SCUBA training at Scuba Ventures Inc. and Blue Water Park. You should also be swimming frequently. Either join your school's swim team or go to the YWCA, YWCA Central Alabama to use their pool.
So there is a lot to learn that can prepare you for college and you do not need a minor. There are more helpful things to engage in right now. Attend frequently and inquire about doing volunteer work at Sand Mountain Park Aquatics Center, Hartselle Aquatic Center, Columbus Aquatic Center in Columbus, Georgia. Also inquire about volunteer opportunities at Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium, and Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham,
While learning more about this career, it will automatically orientate you to the beneficial steps to take and what to focus on while you are in high school. Keep reading and watching videos about marine life, too. I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
It is so awesome that you "want to work with" sharks and whales ! What exactly do you want to do in that field ? That will tell you what academic path to take.
Whatever you end up majoring in for this career, it sounds as though you may have to dedicate a lot of time to lab work and field work in addition to attending classes, so I would not advise going for a Minor. A minor in college is not necessary. You can take elective courses that relate to aquatic life while working on your Major, a major that qualifies you for your future specific career.
Another reason why it may be best to not focus on a Minor right now is that it is going to be about 4 more years until you attend college. You do not know what college you will attend. You will have to Major for you Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology. That would be a full program that you can get your Bachelors Degree in. Within that major program could very well be courses or chapters for you to learn marine animal psychology and you'd actually have to attend Veterinary School for a path for marine veterinary. So, I would like to reorient you to what you can do to prepare for this career and dwelling on a minor for college is not something that will help you at this time.
To become someone who works with whales and sharks, you will need to study all marine life, both the animal and non-animal kingdom. Colleges you can look into to see what their Marine Biology Programs are like are Auburn University, The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, University of North Alabama in Florence, The University of West Alabama in Livingston and Alabama State University in Montgomery also offer marine biology programs at the bachelor's level. Also look into Samford University in Birmingham as well as the University of Mobile in Mobile . If you want to prepare for this career, the best thing is to explore the colleges and their Marine Biology programs. That is what will be important for you upon graduating high school. Knowing what college to attend.
While you are in High School, take Biology and Chemistry for as many years as you can. Consider going for SCUBA Lessons now (you can at age 14) and obtaining a PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification. When you turn 15, you can upgrade that certification to a standard PADI Open Water Diver certification. You can get this SCUBA training at Scuba Ventures Inc. and Blue Water Park. You should also be swimming frequently. Either join your school's swim team or go to the YWCA, YWCA Central Alabama to use their pool.
So there is a lot to learn that can prepare you for college and you do not need a minor. There are more helpful things to engage in right now. Attend frequently and inquire about doing volunteer work at Sand Mountain Park Aquatics Center, Hartselle Aquatic Center, Columbus Aquatic Center in Columbus, Georgia. Also inquire about volunteer opportunities at Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium, and Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham,
While learning more about this career, it will automatically orientate you to the beneficial steps to take and what to focus on while you are in high school. Keep reading and watching videos about marine life, too. I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Blaire!
RESEARCH
Start doing volunteer work then you'll definitely get a position! Get a foot in the door! Show the quality of your work. Do online research too. Marine Biology search engines and databases include the specialized platforms like FishBase for fish information, AlgaeBase for algae, and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) for marine biodiversity data. For scholarly literature, Google Scholar is essential. Other resources include the IUCN Red List for conservation status, Science.gov for broad scientific information, and major publisher databases like ScienceDirect for full-text articles.
UNIVERSITIES
While there isn't one definitive "best," James Cook University (JCU) in Australia is frequently cited as a world-leading institution for marine biology, holding a historical #1 ranking for its Marine and Freshwater Biology program by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). Other highly-regarded institutions include the University of Washington, Duke University, UCLA, and Stanford in the United States, and the University of Southampton and University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Top-Ranked Universities by Category
James Cook University (Australia):
Often considered a top choice, particularly for students interested in tropical marine environments and the Great Barrier Reef, according to the MarineBio Conservation Society and the aecc Australia.
Top Universities (QS World University Rankings):
For the most recent rankings, check the official QS World University Rankings for Earth and Marine Sciences, which typically include top U.S. institutions like the University of Washington and Stanford.
MarineBio.org Listings:
The MarineBio Conservation Society provides comprehensive lists of reputable marine biology programs worldwide, including:
United States: University of Miami, Duke University, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and Northeastern University.
United Kingdom: Universities of Southampton, Plymouth, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
SEE https://admissionsight.com/the-best-marine-biology-colleges-in-the-world/
ALSO https://www.crimsoneducation.org/au/blog/best-colleges-for-marine-biology
SPECIALTY
A Marine Biology Major with two minors in Aquatic Veterinary Science and Marine Animal Psychology is the desired path for you at doctoral level.
BEHAVIORAL
Marine Animal Psychology studies the complex cognitive and emotional lives of marine species, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, focusing on their problem-solving, social behaviors, communication, and responses to environmental changes like stress from pollution and climate change. This field uses techniques like neuro-imaging and hormonal analysis to understand the biological basis of these behaviors and aims to improve conservation efforts by linking animal behavior to the health of marine ecosystems.
Key Aspects of Marine Animal Psychology
Cognitive Abilities:
Researchers investigate the intelligence of marine animals, especially cetaceans (whales and dolphins), which exhibit complex behaviors suggesting sophisticated thought processes, such as problem-solving and spatial learning.
Emotional Complexity:
Marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, show behaviors that indicate emotional depth, including attachment, affection, grief, and stress in response to threats like noise pollution and habitat degradation.
Communication:
Marine animals use various methods, including sound, touch, smell, and visual cues, to communicate with each other. For example, cetaceans rely heavily on sound, while pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) use both underwater and airborne sounds.
Stress Responses:
Studies show that marine animals can experience increased stress levels due to human-induced environmental changes, such as pollution and climate change. This can alter their behavior, affecting their ability to find food or shelter.
Research and Methodology
Behavioral Observation:
Researchers use non-invasive methods, like smartphone apps, to track and record marine animal behavior in their natural environments to gather data.
Neuroimaging:
Modern neuroimaging techniques are used to study neural connectivity in marine mammals, providing insights into how their brains represent and process information.
Hormone Analysis:
Analyzing steroid hormones in alternative matrices like feces, blubber, and urine provides information on reproductive biology and stress levels in both captive and free-ranging marine animals.
CONSERVATION
Understanding Human Impact:
By studying stress responses and behavioral changes, researchers can better understand the effects of human activities on marine life.
Informing Conservation Strategies:
A deeper understanding of marine animal psychology, including social learning and cultural behaviors, is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and mitigating threats like pollution and habitat loss.
ETHICS
The growing knowledge about the complex psychology of marine animals raises important ethical questions about human interactions, such as capture and conservation practices.
GOD BLESS!
RESEARCH
Start doing volunteer work then you'll definitely get a position! Get a foot in the door! Show the quality of your work. Do online research too. Marine Biology search engines and databases include the specialized platforms like FishBase for fish information, AlgaeBase for algae, and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) for marine biodiversity data. For scholarly literature, Google Scholar is essential. Other resources include the IUCN Red List for conservation status, Science.gov for broad scientific information, and major publisher databases like ScienceDirect for full-text articles.
UNIVERSITIES
While there isn't one definitive "best," James Cook University (JCU) in Australia is frequently cited as a world-leading institution for marine biology, holding a historical #1 ranking for its Marine and Freshwater Biology program by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). Other highly-regarded institutions include the University of Washington, Duke University, UCLA, and Stanford in the United States, and the University of Southampton and University of Edinburgh in the UK.
Top-Ranked Universities by Category
James Cook University (Australia):
Often considered a top choice, particularly for students interested in tropical marine environments and the Great Barrier Reef, according to the MarineBio Conservation Society and the aecc Australia.
Top Universities (QS World University Rankings):
For the most recent rankings, check the official QS World University Rankings for Earth and Marine Sciences, which typically include top U.S. institutions like the University of Washington and Stanford.
MarineBio.org Listings:
The MarineBio Conservation Society provides comprehensive lists of reputable marine biology programs worldwide, including:
United States: University of Miami, Duke University, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and Northeastern University.
United Kingdom: Universities of Southampton, Plymouth, and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
SEE https://admissionsight.com/the-best-marine-biology-colleges-in-the-world/
ALSO https://www.crimsoneducation.org/au/blog/best-colleges-for-marine-biology
SPECIALTY
A Marine Biology Major with two minors in Aquatic Veterinary Science and Marine Animal Psychology is the desired path for you at doctoral level.
BEHAVIORAL
Marine Animal Psychology studies the complex cognitive and emotional lives of marine species, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, focusing on their problem-solving, social behaviors, communication, and responses to environmental changes like stress from pollution and climate change. This field uses techniques like neuro-imaging and hormonal analysis to understand the biological basis of these behaviors and aims to improve conservation efforts by linking animal behavior to the health of marine ecosystems.
Key Aspects of Marine Animal Psychology
Cognitive Abilities:
Researchers investigate the intelligence of marine animals, especially cetaceans (whales and dolphins), which exhibit complex behaviors suggesting sophisticated thought processes, such as problem-solving and spatial learning.
Emotional Complexity:
Marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, show behaviors that indicate emotional depth, including attachment, affection, grief, and stress in response to threats like noise pollution and habitat degradation.
Communication:
Marine animals use various methods, including sound, touch, smell, and visual cues, to communicate with each other. For example, cetaceans rely heavily on sound, while pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) use both underwater and airborne sounds.
Stress Responses:
Studies show that marine animals can experience increased stress levels due to human-induced environmental changes, such as pollution and climate change. This can alter their behavior, affecting their ability to find food or shelter.
Research and Methodology
Behavioral Observation:
Researchers use non-invasive methods, like smartphone apps, to track and record marine animal behavior in their natural environments to gather data.
Neuroimaging:
Modern neuroimaging techniques are used to study neural connectivity in marine mammals, providing insights into how their brains represent and process information.
Hormone Analysis:
Analyzing steroid hormones in alternative matrices like feces, blubber, and urine provides information on reproductive biology and stress levels in both captive and free-ranging marine animals.
CONSERVATION
Understanding Human Impact:
By studying stress responses and behavioral changes, researchers can better understand the effects of human activities on marine life.
Informing Conservation Strategies:
A deeper understanding of marine animal psychology, including social learning and cultural behaviors, is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and mitigating threats like pollution and habitat loss.
ETHICS
The growing knowledge about the complex psychology of marine animals raises important ethical questions about human interactions, such as capture and conservation practices.
GOD BLESS!
Joseph Ford
223
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Well, 9th grade and already know your interest. I'm impressed. :-)
Marine Biology
Zoology
Ecology or Environmental Science
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Oceanography
These areas of Majors in Colleges that you can research and see which fits you most.
Marine Biology
Zoology
Ecology or Environmental Science
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Oceanography
These areas of Majors in Colleges that you can research and see which fits you most.