Even though many people today are already familiar with the term marine biologist, several still do not realize the job title. The term can be used in different jobs and disciplines in marine science that deal with studying aquatic life. Even sociologists and economists dealing with marine resource conditions are included in the field of marine biology. You have to properly identify the job outlook to know which part you want to be included in.
Schools Offering Programs in Marine Biology
Several universities and colleges offer different degrees in marine biology, as well as other related fields. You can find more information about the various academic programs online. If you want to study along the Pacific Coast, there are a number of schools that you might want to look at such as the School of Fisheries at the University of Washington in Seattle, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State, Humboldt University in California, University in Corvallis and University of California Programs at San Diego.
If you want to study in the Midwest, you can enrol at the University of Wisconsin. If you intend to study on the East Coast, you can choose University of Rhode Island, University of Miami, University of Maryland and University of Georgia. Gulf Coast schools include Auburn University, Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University.
The Courses
If you want to pursue a marine biology career, you have to take preparatory courses in physics, zoology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, biometrics and statistics. English is also vital since you will be writing and publishing scientific papers. Other courses in the aquatic sciences are also vital, such as oceanography, fishery biology and ichthyology. Courses in the social sciences are needed which generally deal with management and public policies.
Undergraduates
You undergraduate course does not have to be marine biology. You can graduate and have a degree in zoology, biology, fisheries or one of the animal sciences. Physical oceanographers may aim for an oceanography degree, having a lot of course work in computer modeling, math and physics. Biological oceanographers focus on both the physical and biological features of the sea and the interactions. You will need a bachelor's or master's degree to start any kind of marine biological research job.
Getting the Degree
An ideal sample degree will breakdown into the following: biology (45%) and zoology (28%). Undergraduate work may also be done in the following: fisheries (12%), conservation (3%), oceanography (5%), marine biology (2%), chemistry (2%), animal science (2%), biological oceanography (2%) and math (1%).
Among the individuals who acquired their master's degree, majority chose either zoology or fisheries. Other popular picks include biology, marine biology, oceanography and biological oceanography. Other categories included are animal sciences, physical oceanography and ecology. Most Ph.D. degrees also chose either zoology or fisheries. Other doctorate degrees focused on marine biology, oceanography, biology, ecology and statistics.
Accreditation will depend largely on the school and governing bodies. You may also independently get accreditation by applying to the regional Higher Commission on Learning or regional association of colleges.
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