Do you love fish and aquatic life? Do you dream of a job where no two days look the same? Then a marine biologist career could be a perfect fit for you. Marine biology is a vibrant field with areas for specialization and customization to fit your career path. Pursuing a marine biology degree online makes it easy to start this career wherever you are.
If you’re looking for jobs for marine biologists and their salaries, then you’re in the right place. Read on to discover what marine biology is, how to become a marine biologist and the outlook for this career.
What is a Marine Biologist?
Biology science is the examination of forms of life and how they interact with their environment. A marine biologist, then, is a specialized biologist that studies marine animals and organisms.
They examine behavior, ecosystem, and all the interconnected parts of aquatic life. The field is vast, exploring chemistry, physiology, geology, behavior, and so much more. In this case, it’s is important to note that marine biology is not separate from other biology forms. It is simply the application of specialties coming together to study aquatic life. Because 70% of Earth’s surface is water, there are constantly new and exciting things to learn about and explore in the field.
Specializations
There are many types of marine biology due to the vastness of the field. For example, species, an ecosystem, a biological behavior, or a particular aquatic group. Marine biology graduates can go into areas such as:
- Fishery data management
- Research Assistant
- Oil spill response
- Dive operations management
- Marine policy
Marine Biology vs. Zoology
While zoology and biology are similar, there are some differences. Zoologists focus on animals, honing in on physical and behavioral characteristics and habitat. Marine biologists concentrate on plants in addition to animals, studying natural habitats.
The most significant difference is where they conduct research and what they do with it. Wildlife biologists focus on fieldwork, work done in the animal’s natural habitat. As the name suggests, zoologists often work in zoos, aquariums, and museums. They manage displays and educate people on the animals they study. Also, zoologists focus on animal traits. On the other hand, biologists focus on the interconnected effect, such as climate change’s effect on habitat.
Biologists also educate others, but they spend time in the wild examining habits directly in the field. They generally work with other experts, like ecologists, to gain a deeper understanding of their findings.
What Does a Marine Biologist Do?
There exist many jobs available for graduates with marine biology degrees. It is hard to give a definitive “day in the life” because there are too many specifics across the board. This degree may propel you into a career as a fish biologist. Or, perhaps, a marine mammalogist, microbiologist, etc.
However, some responsibilities apply to a majority of branches of marine biology. If the field is so varied, is there a typical job description? Generally, the duties of a marine biologist career include:
- Providing medical care to marine animals that are sick or injured
- Researching a chosen specialty of a marine animal and their ecosystem
- Taking samples of aquatic plants, microorganisms, and water for further research and testing
- Exploration of marine geology to further understand marine environments
- Developing more sustainable practices to protect marine life and the overall environment
- Studying fish populations, migration, and reproduction
- Writing scientific reports to share results of research with their peers and the public
- Gathering data from other biologists and scientists in adjacent fields
- Giving lectures and presentations at universities or museums to educate the public
- Mapping aquatic ecosystems
Sector-Specific Marine Conservation Jobs
Diving
Diving is one of the skills needed to be a marine biologist in some fields. Many become curious about the field after exploring the ocean through diving. It is helpful to immerse into the aquatic environment and get an intimate view of the interconnected ecosystem. Interacting with marine life helps researchers develop a fuller picture of underwater life.
Divers may collect samples, check on animals being monitored, or monitor the fish populations up close. This field is often partnered with other sectors of marine biology to understand its complex nature.
Marine Spatial Planning
Marine spatial planning is mapping out where humans work and research underwater. It keeps research as ecologically, economically, and socially beneficial as possible. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (or IOC) states that it is,
“[…]in itself a practical way to create and establish a more rational use of marine space[…]to balance demands for development with the need to protect the environment, and to deliver social and economic outcomes in an open and planned way.”
Various agencies and organizations, such as the ones below, utilize this type of planning:
- The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
- Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force (USA)
- NOAA Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (USA)
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- United Nations Environment (Oceans and Seas)
- Green Marine
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Fisheries
Fisheries biology is a specialized branch focused on managing fish populations and habitats. These professionals assess and develop commercial and recreational fisheries. It is a broad field, and biologists delve into fish disease management, water pollution, and aquaculture. A commercial or recreational fishery raises fish for harvest. It may also refer to a place where fishermen catch fish. A marine biologist degree is one of the best ways to get into this field: to study fisheries management, water pollutants, fish health, and habitat restoration and conservation.
When biology is applied, it becomes a highly varied and multidisciplinary job. Due to the wide variety of fisheries locations, they utilize different equipment and techniques. Water and plankton samples may be collected, and labs are essential for research.
Those who pursue this career work for agencies such as:
- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG)
- The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Climate Change
The study of climate change and how it affects marine life is an established field and part of many marine biology specialties. It involves using models and observations from research to predict climate change events. They also explore the human impact, rising sea levels, and increases in marine diseases. In other words, there is plenty for marine biologists to explore in this realm.
Climate change research is essential because humans and animals rely on aquatic life. The research guides reactions and solutions in the long run. There are many research specializations in this area, such as coral, mussel beds, invasive species, and ocean acidification.
Aquarium Jobs
An aquarium job is a suburb fit for marine biologists. Aquariums are for marine research, public education, and animal conservation. Students pursuing their marine biology degree online also work, volunteer, and intern at aquariums. Aquariums need scientists to care for the animals that live there, develop educational programs, and develop solutions to protect fragile ecosystems. They may also study ways to improve the ocean’s health and research the topic. Some job titles in this field include:
- Director for animal care
- Curator of marine mammals
- Conservation coordinator
- Aquaculture fishery biologist
- Aquarist
How to Become a Marine Biologist- The Steps
- Marine biologist education requirements
- Certification or Licensure
- Internships
- Career
Get your Degree in Biology
What degree do you need to be a Marine Biologist?
An undergraduate degree in biology is usually the first step aspiring marine biologists take. However, you don’t need a degree specific to marine biology for graduate programs. Generally, students pursue degrees in biology, zoology, or animal sciences before moving on to a master's degree or Ph.D. An undergrad in marine biology is good for quickly moving into a chosen graduate specialty.
The minimum education expected and preferred is generally a bachelor’s degree. Specifically, a bachelor’s provides hands-on experience through lab classes, internships, and research projects. It’s also perfect for entry-level jobs, like biological lab technician or research assistant. For more advanced careers, however, a master’s degree is required. During this degree level, students can branch out into other areas of marine biology and allow them to identify and explore possible areas of expertise.
GetEducated's Picks
- American Public University System Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences / Biology
- American Public University System Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- American Public University System Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science / Fish & Wildlife Management
How do I get a Marine Biology Degree?
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to an undergraduate program vary, but there are some general requirements for marine biology. These are successful completion of biology courses, basic math courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. In addition, check for requirements for a certain number of credit hours in related science and math courses. Be sure to research any programs under consideration to find out their specific requirements.
Program Curriculum
Today, there are many different fields of marine biology, so the education may start out very general. A marine biology bachelor’s program curriculum covers chemistry, biology, and advanced mathematics. These courses are both lecture and lab-based. Students may also take required humanities courses to learn communication and history. Fieldwork and lab work is also directly connected to the processes they will encounter in their work.
Students will also study published research. Because there are many fields of marine biology, students’ electives or science courses will vary based on their specialty. Some examples of courses offered are:
- Multicellular life
- Paleobiology and the History of Life
- Marine Microbiology
- Marine Chemical Ecology
- Plant Biology and Biotechnology
- General Chemistry
- Calculus
- Physics
- Botany
- Animal Behavior
Time to Complete
As with most other bachelor’s programs, a BS in marine biology takes around four years full-time. Graduates may take another two to three years to pursue their master’s degree. A Ph.D. program, sometimes required for funding access or research, takes an additional six years.
General Cost
When taken online, a BS in marine biology costs a little over $55,000. Many financial aid options are available, as well as scholarships (see below).
Scholarships
There are several scholarships available to pursue an undergrad in marine biology.
Perhaps the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is the most notable. Each year there is a unique theme and a competition to gather evidence and explore topics thoroughly. They then compete in a game-show-style competition in which they go through rounds, answering questions through buzzers. The NOSB also offers tuition assistance to students pursuing an ocean or environmental science major.
Many other scholarships are available at universities or through science-oriented funds.
What does it take to be a Marine Biologist?
Being a marine biologist requires specific skills that students develop during their program. These are as follows:
- Critical thinking: Marine biologists use the scientific method in their work and question what they study. They test the results they find and make decisions independently.
- Observational skills: Exploring marine animals and habitats, noticing behavioral changes or status quo, and identifying the cause.
- Physical and emotional strength: Working in the field, especially underwater, can be demanding. Also, the nature of the work means biologists are conducting research alone, with only marine life as company. They must withstand harsh conditions to get results to research questions and conduct tests if necessary.
- Teamwork: Working in teams with other scientists, biologists, and researchers. Collaboratively and effectively working to ensure efficient, correct results.
- Written communication: While many jobs require writing, a marine biologist’s job is more taxing. They share their findings with their peers and the public, writing academic papers, and giving lectures. All must be composed in a way that others can easily understand. Biologists need to be able to take their data and organize it in written form for their audience.
Certification and Licensure
There are no requirements as far as licenses go in marine biology. However, depending on where a marine biologist is employed, they may need some certification. Scuba diving is the most applicable certificate if there is fieldwork done underwater. Scuba certifications depend on where divers intend to work.
The PADI, or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is considered the industry standard and offers all reputable certification programs and certificates. Marine biologists may also get certificates as they move into undergraduate programs and deeper into their chosen specialization.
Career
After earning a degree, it’s time to start a marine biologist career!
Salary
The BLS groups together marine biologists with zoologists and wildlife biologists in their reports. The median annual wage is $64,650. Glassdoor puts the median marine biologist’s salary at $86,686, including $24,533 additional pay.
Marine Biologist Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the zoologist and wildlife biologist job outlook is 5% (lower than average). The Southwest Fisheries Science Center of The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports a negative job outlook and few available government jobs. There is hope, however. Marine biologists are also suited for environmental science, conservation, oceanography, and technician careers.
Entry-level Marine Biology Jobs
Students in the process of or just completing their degrees will find entry-level jobs available. These jobs may be observing fisheries, assisting in research efforts through data entry or sample retrieval, or doing lab work. These marine biologist jobs help students get real-world field experience and help graduates step into their careers.
What can you do with a Marine Biology Degree?
The long-term career options for a graduate with a marine biology degree are staggering. There are options, whether they prefer the field or the lab, research, or conservation. There are further options for biologists with certification or specialization.
Some students may go back to college to change their career path or research and funding options.
Generally, work schedules are unique, requiring long hours in the field and irregular work times. On the other hand, for example, in education, a work schedule can be more rigid.
Professional Societies and Organizations
Several professional societies and organizations are available for marine biologists, too many to name here. Organizations and societies are perfect for networking with others, finding research funding, and keeping up to date on the latest studies. They are available globally and regionally, and MarineBio offers an extensive list of larger organizations. The Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has a more in-depth list of professional organizations for the US.
FAQs
How many years does it take to become a marine biologist?
It takes roughly five years for marine biologists to pursue their bachelor’s degree, including all extra certifications and real-world experience.
Is it hard to become a marine biologist?
Marine biology is a complicated and advanced field. It requires mental and physical strength, endurance, and many years of advanced math and science courses. Earning this degree will challenge those who struggle with math and science. For example, marine biologists are exposed to extreme weather conditions and may be solitary in their research. It’s not an easy field, and those who do are committed, capable, and determined.
What qualifications do I need to be a marine biologist?
The marine biology prerequisites required to become a marine biologist are a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, earn a certificate in scuba diving for fieldwork in the water.
Do marine biologists make a lot of money?
Marine biologists do not make much money in comparison to other scientific fields. Today’s median marine biologist salary is $64,650. However, this job is rewarding in different ways, focusing on research and preservation.
Get Started!
Now that you know how to become a marine biologist, it’s time to start your exciting and rewarding career! Head to GetEducated.com to see our list of top programs, where you can find your online biology degree today.