Marine Biology
The study of ocean life and marine ecosystems.
Marine biology studies organisms that live in the ocean and the ecosystems they form, from microscopic plankton to whales and coral reefs. It combines general biology with oceanography, ecology, and often chemistry and physics as they relate to marine environments.
Field and lab work are central: many programs include time at a marine research station, boat-based fieldwork, or scuba-based research training, since so much of the discipline depends on direct observation of marine environments.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓General Biology & Chemistry
- ✓Introduction to Oceanography
- ✓Marine Ecology
- ✓Invertebrate & Vertebrate Zoology
- ✓Marine Conservation Biology
- ✓Physiology of Marine Organisms
- ✓Statistics for the Sciences
- ✓Field Research / Marine Station Practicum
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓General Biology & Chemistry
- +General education requirement
- ✓Introduction to Oceanography
- +General education requirement
- ✓Marine Ecology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Invertebrate & Vertebrate Zoology
- +Free elective
- ✓Marine Conservation Biology
- +Free elective
- ✓Physiology of Marine Organisms
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Statistics for the Sciences
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Field Research / Marine Station Practicum
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Passionate about ocean life and environments
- ★Enjoys fieldwork, not just lab or classroom study
- ★Comfortable with physically demanding outdoor and water-based work
- ★Interested in conservation and ecological research
Common minors & double-major pairings
Environmental Science · Chemistry · Statistics
Frequently asked questions
What is a Marine Biology major?
The study of ocean life and marine ecosystems.
What courses do Marine Biology majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like General Biology & Chemistry, Introduction to Oceanography, Marine Ecology, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Marine Biology program?
Marine Biology coursework typically builds skills like Field research and observational technique, Marine ecosystem analysis, Lab and data collection skills, Understanding conservation and environmental policy issues.
Is Marine Biology a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Passionate about ocean life and environments" or "Enjoys fieldwork, not just lab or classroom study" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with Marine Biology?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Environmental Science, Chemistry, Statistics.
How is Marine Biology different from Biology?
They're related but distinct. Marine Biology: The study of ocean life and marine ecosystems. Biology: The broad study of living things, from cells to ecosystems. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Marine Biology degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
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