2 answers
Asked
1264 views
What are the steps I should take to become a marine biologist?
I'm a freshman student in college acquiring a degree in Biology. I have always been interested in becoming a marine biologist. The ocean and whales have always fascinated me. I just want more information about the career. #marine-biology #biology #science #marine
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Nabila’s Answer
Hello,
There are specific courses/degrees that can help you specialize in marine biology/oceanography. Usually, they are provided by universities that are located next to seas or oceans.
Being a biologist, I would say that you don't necessarily need a degree in marine biology. Any life science/biology degree can help you achieve your goal as long as you join marine biology laboratories to carry out your future internships/work experience. To me, this last option will open more doors to you and will allow you to join any research laboratory, if you decide to change your area of research at some point.
Good luck!
There are specific courses/degrees that can help you specialize in marine biology/oceanography. Usually, they are provided by universities that are located next to seas or oceans.
Being a biologist, I would say that you don't necessarily need a degree in marine biology. Any life science/biology degree can help you achieve your goal as long as you join marine biology laboratories to carry out your future internships/work experience. To me, this last option will open more doors to you and will allow you to join any research laboratory, if you decide to change your area of research at some point.
Good luck!
Anne Harvey
Environmental Scientist at Philadelphia Water Department
37
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anne’s Answer
As Nabila said, you could do a general biology major and then perhaps go to graduate school to specialize in a marine science field.
There are colleges in the Philadelphia area that have some marine science classes. (I'm not sure if you go to school in the area or not...) Temple University has marine biology courses including field courses. Drexel University has marine ecology courses. Some colleges have very specialized majors in Marine Biology if you were sure that's what you want to study. You might have to transfer from your current university if your school does not have the major that you want.
U of Delaware has a marine science major: https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/major-finder/marine-science/
Here is an opportunity to be a "guest student" at one of the best oceanographic institutes in the country: https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/educate/gueststudent/
There may also be volunteer opportunities if you wanted to learn more about this field before making final decisions:
https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/involved/volunteer_future.html
https://www.aquaticsciences.org/get_involved/volunteer_overview.html
Hope this helps!
There are colleges in the Philadelphia area that have some marine science classes. (I'm not sure if you go to school in the area or not...) Temple University has marine biology courses including field courses. Drexel University has marine ecology courses. Some colleges have very specialized majors in Marine Biology if you were sure that's what you want to study. You might have to transfer from your current university if your school does not have the major that you want.
U of Delaware has a marine science major: https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/major-finder/marine-science/
Here is an opportunity to be a "guest student" at one of the best oceanographic institutes in the country: https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/educate/gueststudent/
There may also be volunteer opportunities if you wanted to learn more about this field before making final decisions:
https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/involved/volunteer_future.html
https://www.aquaticsciences.org/get_involved/volunteer_overview.html
Hope this helps!