What Is A Marine Biologist, And How Can You Become One? Here’s What To Know

Reviewed By Reviewed By Published: Jan 10, 2024, 12:38pm Marine biologists study marine life, from the smallest, single celled organisms to the largest mammal on the planet, the blue whale. These professionals explore diverse ecosystems, from coastal kelp forests to coral reefs. And marine biologists play a key role in conservation and the marine food chain, too.

Working in the exciting field of marine biology requires specialized training. Marine biologists generally need a bachelor’s degree, and some career paths require a graduate degree. Marine biology professionals may specialize in particular interest areas within the field as well. So how long does it take to become a marine biologist? And how can you become one? Keep reading to learn more about how to become a marine biologist and career paths in marine biology.

What Is a Marine Biologist? The field of marine biology explores marine animals and their environment. As trained scientists, marine biologists apply the scientific method to understand subjects like the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and wildlife, the vocalization patterns of marine mammals and the giant tube worms that live in deep sea hydrothermal vents.

Exploring marine life requires an understanding of oceanography, cellular biology, chemistry, geology and many other fields. And within marine biology, professionals often specialize in a subfield such as marine microbiology or aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Marine biologists may also specialize in particular species, such as cetaceans (better known as whales), or ecosystems like coastal biology.

Most marine biologists work in the public, nonprofit or academic sectors. Research marine biologists may work at colleges or in government agencies. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employs marine biologists who research fisheries’ sustainability and educate the public about marine life, for example.

Marine biologists also work in environmental and sustainability nonprofits. How To Become a Marine Biologist Entry level roles in the marine sciences generally require a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years for most full time students. More advanced roles may require additional experience or a graduate degree.

Plan on spending at least four years preparing for a career in the marine sciences. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to become a marine biologist. Majors in marine biology, marine science and oceanography provide the best career focused coursework. You can also and choose electives in marine biology.

While pursuing a bachelor’s degree, seek out opportunities for field experience, internships and laboratory research to strengthen in demand career skills. The MarineBio Conservation Society offers a list of colleges that offer marine biology degrees. Degree Finder Marine biologists learn both in the field and in the laboratory.

You can gain relevant experience through volunteer opportunities, internships and jobs. During and after college, connect with marine organizations and pursue research fellowships. This experience can prepare you for more advanced job opportunities or graduate school. Within the broad field of marine biology, professionals specialize in areas like marine conservation, marine mammals and aquaculture.

Explore these specializations during your undergraduate program and begin building your résumé around your chosen specialization. Depending on your career path, you may need a graduate degree. For example, many research positions require a master’s or doctorate, particularly for academic careers.

By gaining professional experience and specializing, you’ll improve your chances of getting into graduate school. Marine Biologist Salary and Job Outlook Demand for marine biologists will likely increase in the future. Ocean and freshwater ecosystems are facing a loss of biodiversity, and marine biologists play a critical role in conservation, research and sustainability efforts.

The (BLS) projects that zoologists and wildlife biologists, a category that includes marine biologists, will see 3% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Many marine biologists work in the public and nonprofit sectors, which often pay lower salaries than private sector roles. reported a median pay of $67,430 per year in May 2022, according to BLS data.

The highest paid scientists in this group work in government, while those in social advocacy organizations report the lowest salaries. Earning potential and job availability also vary by location. States employing the most (and highest paid) zoologists and wildlife biologists include California, Washington, Florida, Oregon and Alaska.

Marine biologists generally see their earning potential grow with more experience and higher degrees. Marine Biology Specializations Within the marine biology field, scientists specialize in several areas, including aquaculture, marine microbiology and marine conservation biology. In addition to these specializations, people interested in marine biology may focus on oceanography, marine science, environmental science or zoology.

Biotechnology researches biological processes for their applications in industry, medicine and other fields. Marine biotechnology focuses on marine organisms to develop pharmaceutical drugs, manufactured products and biologically informed processes. This specialization also has applications in aquaculture and seafood safety.

Aquaculture refers to the farming of marine resources, including fish, shellfish and seaweed. Scientists help the aquaculture industry meet consumer demand for seafood while also protecting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable practices. Fisheries rely on specialists in this area to understand habitats, conduct population assessments and research food webs.

One of the most popular specializations in marine biology centers on marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. Marine mammalogists explore the behaviors, population dynamics and health of these creatures. Within this specialty, you can pursue research roles or work in conservation or education.

Specialists in environmental marine biology research ocean health and its impact on marine life. These marine biologists may explore coastal regions, the deep sea or offshore environments. By studying marine ecosystems, environmental marine biologists measure the impact of pollutants, runoff and chemical hazards.

Marine conservationists study ocean life with the goal of protecting wildlife. In addition to conducting research, these marine biologists also engage with policymakers and communicate with the public about ocean conservation. They often partner with environmental advocacy groups to advocate for conservation and sustainable practices.

Bacteria make up 98% of the ocean’s biomass. Marine microbiologists examine microscopic organisms and their roles in the ocean ecosystem. They research the food chain, investigate marine organisms that have medicinal applications and explore the impact of viruses on marine wildlife. Professional Organizations for Marine Biologists Professional organizations connect students with mentors, help early career marine biologists gain experience and allow scientists to collaborate and share their research.

Marine biologists and students can consider the following professional organizations. Featured Online Schools Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Marine Biologist Marine biologists generally need a four year bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field, plus experience, to qualify for many roles.

Research roles may require a master’s degree or doctorate, which adds an additional two to six years of education. Marine biologists study life in the ocean. They specialize in ocean mammals, like whales, as well as invertebrates, like crustaceans. Marine biologists can also research fisheries science, ecology, conservation and marine microbiology.

You’ll need strong analytical and problem solving skills to become a marine biologist. Depending on your specialization, you’ll also need fieldwork or laboratory skills. And many marine biologists work in education, which requires communication and interpersonal abilities. Becoming a marine biologist can be challenging.

You’ll need a bachelor’s in marine biology, oceanography, marine science or a related field, plus hands on experience in the field or laboratory. Marine biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field. Some roles require a graduate degree. Employers generally look for candidates with hands on experience gained through internships, volunteer opportunities or professional experience..