Major: Marine Science
NOAA/Department of Commerce
How do oceans affect global climate patterns? Why have coral reef diseases begun to multiply? And why are more sea lions having miscarriages? As a student of marine science, you'll examine questions like these. Although your focus in this interdisciplinary major will be the ocean, you'll also study its complex relationship with life on land.
Students of marine science study all aspects of the ocean, making use of both the biological and the physical sciences.
“The most rewarding aspect is knowing that I am helping to educate people about the ocean and helping preserve it at the same time.”
--Anne, junior, marine science, University of Hawaii, Hilo
Are You Ready To...?
- Read and analyze scientific literature
- Go on a ton of field trips
- Collect data from the ocean
- Spend lots of time in the lab
- Study estuaries and inland seas
- Specialize in physical oceanography, marine meteorology, or another area
- Research and write a senior thesis on anything from sea slugs to sharks
It Helps to Be...
Deeply curious about marine life, and willing to work all hours: studying the ocean can mean midnight dives in nasty weather.
College Checklist
- Is marine science offered as a stand-alone major or as a concentration within another major, such as biology or natural resources?
- Does the school offer course work in your particular area of interest?
- Check out the facilities. Are labs well equipped? What kinds of vessels are available for research activities?
- What kinds of hands-on experience will you get? A school located near the coast may offer the best opportunities for fieldwork and internships.
- What will your senior thesis involve? Will faculty members be available to give you the help you need?
- What are recent grads doing now?
Did You Know?
- A bachelor’s degree can get you started, but to work as a research scientist, you’ll need at least a master’s.
Course Spotlight
Plankton and nekton are just two of the sea communities you’ll explore in marine ecology. This commonly required course covers the ways in which marine species survive, reproduce, and interact. You’ll also study ecological problems, such as pollution, that threaten the future of marine life and you'll explore their possible solutions. Don't be surprised if your studies take you beyond the classroom to the lab and the sea.
Explore this major in more depth on MyRoad™