Best Colleges for Marine Biology

When embarking upon your college application journey, you may have a specific major in mind. If so, looking at the best colleges by major is a great way to start your college list. If you have a fascination with the underwater world and science, then you may dream of studying marine science and touring marine biology colleges. Of course, like every college major, there are many factors to consider when researching the best colleges for marine biology.

In this article, we’re going to cover everything from studying the major in college to the best colleges for marine biology.

Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll look at:

What is the marine biology major?
What colleges offer marine biology?
What are the 25 best colleges for marine biology?
What are the top marine biology colleges by location?
What marine biology professions are out there?
How much do marine biologists make on average?
And more!

Before we start learning about the best colleges for marine biology, let’s get into some details about the major.

What is marine biology?

There are many science majors that students can choose from. People with an interest in marine biology usually hold some fascination with the ocean and the role it plays in our world. As with every major in college, you can specialize further within the field, but the basis stays the same: studying marine life.

Marine biologists study the oceans and the organisms found there. Students at the best marine biology colleges not only love the ocean but want to protect it. Today, much of the work marine biologists do concerns conserving marine life and minimizing the negative effects that humans have had on this particular environment. Now more than ever, marine biology is crucial to protect ocean organisms and our world’s ecosystem. After all, 70% of Earth is covered in oceans.

Often, those looking at the best colleges with marine biology will want to consider further education beyond an undergraduate degree. Obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree will open up more job prospects and earning potential upon graduation. This is something to think about when wondering, “how much do marine biologists make?”

Additionally, when looking for the best marine biology colleges, note that many schools don’t offer a marine biology major, but rather a biology major. From there, many marine biology colleges allow students to concentrate in marine biology. For this reason, the best universities for biology or the best colleges for science are often the best marine biology colleges as well. But with a little digging, it’s easy to figure out what colleges offer marine biology as a major.

Majoring in Marine Biology in College

Marine biology is one of many science majors that you might choose to study in college. Indeed, researching the best colleges by major is a great way to start your college search. The best colleges for marine biology offer excellent courses and research opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed in this competitive field.

All of the marine biology colleges we’ll look at in this article offer an excellent education. However, like all colleges and college majors, you should consider each program carefully and how it relates to your interests, needs, and preferences. Your college list should take into account your unique circumstances, not just rankings or reviews.

No matter which of the best marine biology colleges you choose, marine biology courses will offer somewhat similar general coursework. Courses will include plenty of science and specifically topics such as molecular biology, marine ecology, invertebrate zoology, and marine botany. Remember, top marine biology colleges are also usually considered among the best universities for biology or the best colleges for science. So you will likely be required to take rigorous general biology courses as well.

What colleges have marine biology?

So, what colleges offer marine biology? Admittedly, it isn’t the most popular major among students, compared to something like chemistry or computer science. However, that certainly doesn’t mean that there aren’t many options when it comes to the best marine biology colleges.

When searching the best colleges by major, keep in mind that some schools may not offer a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. However, the best universities for biology or the best colleges for science will often offer a concentration, focus, or specialization in marine biology. Many of the best marine biology colleges also offer masters or doctorate programs in marine biology.

With over a hundred programs across the nation, you’re sure to find a winner among the best colleges for marine biology at which to study this college major. There are private, public, large, and small schools with this major. Some of the best marine biology colleges will have dedicated programs, whereas others have entire dedicated schools, such as the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science.

If you’re worried about choosing from the many colleges for marine biology, then you’re in the right place! We’re going to give you some of the best colleges for marine biology later in this article—but first, what makes a school one of the top marine biology colleges?

What are the best colleges for Marine Biology?

Rather than looking at the schools specifically, let’s look at criteria considered when ranking the best colleges for marine biology. Top marine biology colleges will have experienced faculty and leaders in the field. They’ll offer rigorous courses, often with specializations and concentrations in order to meet students’ interests. Additionally, the best marine biology colleges will have top research facilities and fieldwork opportunities.

Like with any other major in college, the best marine biology colleges may also offer clubs or extracurricular groups. These types of opportunities are a great way for students to meet other like-minded individuals and enhance their learning outside of the classroom.

Additionally, the best colleges for marine biology offer students internship opportunities where they can gain direct experience on the field, in the lab, or both. You might notice that the qualities of the best marine biology colleges are similar to the best universities for biology or the best colleges for science. This isn’t a coincidence! Remember, there is a lot of overlap among these groups.

25 Best Marine Biology Colleges

Now, let’s look at this list of the top 25 Best Colleges for Marine Biology. Schools were ranked based on a variety of factors:

Criteria for Best Marine Biology Colleges

Reputation and school ranking
Faculty expertise
Curriculum and resources
Research and hands-on experience opportunities
Alumni network and student support services
Diversity and extracurriculars
Networking and post-graduation support

Here is our list of the best marine biology colleges:

Best Marine Biology Colleges

1. Duke University

Located in Durham, North Carolina, and ranked at #7 on U.S. News’ National Universities list is Duke University. While Duke is a prestigious school, you may not have known that it’s among the best marine biology colleges as well. Students will have a marine biology concentration, with a major in biology.

2. Brown University

This Ivy League university also offers a focus on marine biology. At Brown, students interested in marine biology will study in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Brown ranks #9 among national universities and is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in this area.

3. Northwestern University

Students will major in Biological Sciences at Northwestern; however, they can specialize their learning with various concentrations. Those with an interest in marine biology will likely want to concentrate on Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. Students will be able to research with scientists from the Chicago Botanic Garden. Northwestern ties with Brown at #9 in National Universities and is located in Evanston, Illinois.

4. University of California, Los Angeles

Ranked at #15 in National Universities is UCLA. Contrary to the other schools on our best colleges for marine biology list so far, UCLA offers a marine biology major. Students in this major are required to participate in the Marine Biology Quarter. This is a unique opportunity in which students will live the life of a marine biologist. It’s an excellent way to get a feel for what your life will look like in this profession.

5. Harvard University

Highly regarded and ranked at #3 in National Universities, Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. But don’t let its location fool you. Students here have an opportunity to study in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology (OEB), concentrating on Marine Biology & Biological Oceanography. Students in the OEB major will learn to answer questions about life and the natural world.

6. Boston University

This other well-known Massachusetts university offers students the opportunity to study marine biology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Experienced faculty will lead students in research focusing on a variety of topics: biomimicry, functional genomics, ocean exploration, and marine conservation. Students will also focus on preservation and protection by learning cutting-edge solutions to fight overfishing, climate change, and marine species extinction. Boston University ranks at #43 nationally.

7. University of Miami

With an optimal coastal location, the University of Miami has an excellent Department of Marine Biology & Ecology. Students can study at undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels and undertake fieldwork. Undergraduate programs include programs in geological sciences, marine affairs, marine biology & ecology, marine science (double major program), meteorology, and oceanography. Students even have the opportunity to study abroad in the Galapagos Islands! The University of Miami ranks at #67 nationally and is among the top marine biology colleges.

8. University of Florida

Another Florida university makes the list of the best colleges for marine biology. The University of Florida offers a marine sciences major where students will study oceanography, statistics, fisheries and aquatic sciences, and invertebrate biodiversity. The University of Florida ranks #28 in National Universities.

9. University of California, Santa Barbara

Two departments make up UCSB’s undergraduate biology program: Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB), and Molecular, Cellular, and Development Biology (MCDB). Students focusing on the biology major in marine biology will have both research and field experiences. UCSB ranks #35 in National Universities.

10. University of Washington

Students can major or minor in marine biology at the University of Washington. Studies focus on marine aspects as well as conservation and management responses to ocean change. Upon graduation, students will be well prepared to start work or further their studies in a graduate program. UW is located in Seattle, Washington, and ranks at #40 nationally.

11. Maine Maritime Academy

Located on Castine Harbor in Maine, this school provides an optimal location for those looking to study all the wonders of the ocean. Students will enjoy an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 71% 6-year graduation rate. The Maine Maritime Academy also provides students with a 5-year, dual major option: marine biology and small vessel operation.

12. Florida International University

FIU ranks at #124 in National Universities and is located in Miami, Florida. Students will graduate with a B.S. in marine biology. The location and program offer an opportunity to learn both in the lab and in the field, exploring Florida and the Caribbean’s unique diversity.

13. University of California, Santa Cruz

Students majoring in marine biology will study within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. The department has running seawater laboratory classrooms and live marine life facilities, making it one of the best colleges for marine biology. UC Santa Cruz ranks #82 in National Universities.

14. San Jose State University

Located in San Jose, California, this university offers an undergraduate marine biology program. Uniquely, students can study on campus as well as at the school’s affiliated Moss Landing site in Monterey.

15. Syracuse University

Students interested in biology will have a unique learning opportunity at this university in Syracuse, New York. Students can opt for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, depending on their unique areas of interest. At this private university, students will enjoy small classes. About 60% of students in the biology department take advantage of internship opportunities in order to enhance their learning and professional experience. Syracuse ranks at #67 nationally.

16. Texas A&M University

This university ranks at #47 among National Universities and is located in College Station, Texas. Students in the marine biology department have 16 dedicated research labs. 23% of students are involved in research. Students can also take advantage of Galveston Bay to learn and study in the field.

17. University of Maine

Located in Orono, Maine, the University of Maine offers a B.S. in marine science. Students can choose to have a broad marine science degree or study in one of three concentrations: marine biology, oceanography, or aquaculture. Students may also take part in the Semester by the Sea class, where they spend a full day every week for 16 weeks gaining hands-on experience. The school ranks at #249 in National Universities.

18. Nova Southeastern University

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a national ranking of #227 is NSU. The marine biology major offers various experiential learning experiences and internships, from presenting your own research conferences to in-the-field learning. There is also an entire NSU campus and marina devoted to the marine sciences, clearly making it among the top marine biology colleges.

19. St. Mary’s College of Maryland

St. Mary’s College of Maryland has a ranking of #82 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. The location near the Chesapeake Bay allows marine science majors an opportunity for nearby hands-on experience. In this major students will analyze ocean physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.

20. University of Oregon

Located in Eugene, Oregon, and ranking at #98 in National Universities is the University of Oregon. This is the only dedicated marine biology degree program in the Pacific Northwest. Students will have plenty of opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning when studying at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.

21. Samford University

At one of the best colleges for marine biology, students will have ample hands-on experience such as field studies, laboratory research, and aquaculture. Students of marine science can also partake in a summer experience off the Alabama coast in the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Samford University has a national ranking of #185 and is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

22. Auburn University

Next among our top marine biology colleges is Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, and ranking #93 in National Universities. This large public institution offers a marine biology degree within their Biological Sciences department. Students will participate in projects both on-campus in the lab as well as field studies in the Atlantic, Caribbean, tropical Indo-Pacific, and Antarctic Seas.

23. California State University

There are both undergraduate and graduate opportunities at the California State University. CSU Long Beach ranks at #105 nationwide. The location is optimal, as students are right on the coast. A unique offering of the program is the Catalina Semester in which students live and study on Santa Catalina Island.

24. Alaska Pacific University

Located in Anchorage, Alaska, APU gives students the unique opportunity to examine environmental changes as they happen. The marine and environmental sciences degree allows you to focus on different areas: survey and methods in environmental science, geographic information systems, and fisheries ecology. Marine biology is one of the areas in which students may choose to concentrate.

25. University of Georgia

Located in Athens, Georgia, this university ranks at #47 in National Universities. The ocean science major focuses on understanding the function and structure of marine systems. Students will be well prepared to start their career or continue their studies upon graduation, making it one of the best marine biology colleges.

We’ve looked at the best marine biology colleges all over the nation. Now let’s focus our attention on marine biology colleges in a few individual states.

Best Colleges for Marine Biology in California

As you noticed from our list of 25 of the best marine biology colleges, there are plenty of top marine biology colleges located in California. Many students are interested in studying specifically in California for many reasons. To meet their needs, we’re providing a couple more colleges with marine biology in the state.

Here are two more of our picks considered among the best colleges for marine biology in California:

Best Californian Marine Biology Colleges

University of California, San Diego

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is where UC San Diego students will study marine biology. Students will gain a foundation in the natural sciences and then focus their core courses in marine biology courses and laboratory and fieldwork. UCSD ranks at #28 among National Universities.

Stanford University

This prestigious West Coast university is located in Stanford, California, and has a national ranking at #3. Students will gain an undergraduate degree in biology but can focus their electives on marine biology. In fact, marine biology is one of the department’s research areas.

Best Colleges for Marine Biology in Texas

Now that we’ve looked at a couple more of the best colleges for marine biology in California, let’s focus our attention on another state. We’re going to look at four more schools considered to be the best colleges for marine biology in Texas.

Here are four more of the best colleges for marine biology in Texas:

Best Texan Marine Biology Colleges

Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

Within the Department of Life Sciences is the marine biology program. However, this program is available to graduate students only. As an undergraduate student, you can pursue life sciences, focusing your courses on marine biology when possible.

Texas A&M University, Galveston

At TAMU Galveston, students interested in pursuing marine biology will be able to learn from expert faculty. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico makes the location an optimal spot for the hands-on learning experience, making this school one of the best marine biology colleges in the nation.

Texas State University

Students interested in studying marine biology at Texas State will join the biology department where they can major in aquatic biology. Students are able to study on-site from the swamps of east Texas to the Rio Grande. Rather than studying oceans, faculty in the aquatic biology major study streams, rivers, springs, cave systems, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands.

University of Texas at Austin

Students at UT Austin will enjoy an excellent location from which they can study marine science at one of the best colleges for marine biology: Port Aransas on the Texas Gulf Coast. Students can participate in a Semester by the Sea, internships, study abroad, or conduct field research.

Best Colleges for Marine Biology in Florida

While there are plenty of the best colleges for marine biology in Texas, Florida is also an excellent location to study marine life. We’ve already looked at some of the best colleges for marine biology in Florida in our list of 25 top marine biology colleges. However, let’s look at a few more marine biology colleges in this coastal state.

Best Floridian Marine Biology Colleges

Florida Institute of Technology

Located in Melbourne, Florida, and ranking at #269 nationally is FIT. Students can pursue a B.S. in marine biology. And while many programs have students completing solely general education courses their first year, at FIT first-year students will be able to get a taste of the major and even do some lab research their first year.

Florida Atlantic University

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Florida Atlantic University allows students to concentrate in marine biology. Once in the concentration, students will be a part of a joint program with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI).

Florida State University

Ranking at #53 and located in Tallahassee, Florida, is Florida State University. Within the biology major, students can opt to take the marine biology track. However, interested students should keep in mind that to continue with a marine biology career, they’d need to complete further studies in graduate school. Fortunately, FSU’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory also has graduate programs.

Rollins College

With close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Rollins College provides an ideal location for those looking to study marine life. Undergraduate students are able to conduct field research and gain experience within their first year. Additionally, they can enjoy small class sizes, with no more than 12 students in upper-level marine biology courses.

Here are some more options for the best colleges for marine biology in Florida:

More Colleges for Marine Biology

We’ve looked at plenty of the colleges with marine biology all over the country. However, we’re not done quite yet. Let’s take a look at some other colleges with marine biology in other areas of the nation.

Here are some more top marine biology colleges:

Additional Marine Biology Colleges

Northeastern University

Ranking at #53 in National Universities and located in Boston, Massachusetts, is Northeastern University. Students will gain a solid foundation in marine biology in the major program here. Additionally, they’ll learn from leading experts in the field. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center.

University of New Hampshire

Like several other colleges with marine biology, the University of New Hampshire has an entire school dedicated to the discipline. Students interested in marine biology will study at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (SMSOE). Undergraduates can pursue a B.S. in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology, Oceanography, or Ocean Engineering. And of course, there are plenty more areas for graduate studies.

University of Oregon

Located in Eugene, Oregon, and ranking #98 in National Universities is the University of Oregon. Students looking to gain an undergraduate degree in marine biology will study at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. The program also offers a Tropical Marine Biology course in Panama every other summer for those interested.

University of South Carolina

USC offers an undergraduate degree in marine biology. Students here will research a variety of themes including invertebrate zoology & physiology, evolutionary ecology, conservation biology, and the effects of climate change on marine life. USC ranks at #124 nationally and is located in Columbia, South Carolina.

How to Become a Marine Biologist

We’ve given you plenty of colleges with marine biology for you to further research on your own. But, if you’re interested in marine biology as your major in college, then you likely want to become a marine biologist. Of course, becoming a marine biologist isn’t the only career path from studying college majors focusing on marine biology. But first, let’s ask the obvious question: what does it take to become a marine biologist?

Marine biology is a competitive field; therefore, if you’re wondering how to get into the best marine biology colleges, you’ll want to start building your resume. Marine biology is among the science majors, therefore, consider taking rigorous science courses in high school. Depending on where you live, you might also look into extracurriculars related to marine biology. Additionally, you can look into research opportunities in ecology and the life sciences.

As an undergraduate, you can study marine biology or major in biology with a concentration in marine biology. You’ll want to hone your area of interest within the field. Take on internships and opportunities for field research throughout your time as an undergraduate.

Higher education beyond a B.S. is required for many positions related to marine biology. Try to receive the best grades possible in order to get into a graduate program of your choice. Marine biologists usually have a master’s or doctoral degree, so be prepared to study at one of the best marine biology colleges for more than just four years.

What do Marine Biologists do?

After studying at one of the best colleges with marine biology, you’ll go on to pursue a career in the field. So, it’s important to understand what that entails. As scientists, marine biologists conduct research to study marine life, both animals and the environment. Many marine biologists work toward the protection and preservation of marine species. Especially in light of global climate change, it’s important to track how changes in our oceans affect marine life.

Marine biologists will usually focus on a specific area. In this profession, you can work in the public, nonprofit, or academic sectors. Research will be a large part of your role. Here are some professions that a marine biology major might pursue:

Oceanographer
Ecologist
Microbiologist
Environmental consultant
Researcher

At this point of your college journey, you might only be considering what colleges offer marine biology. It’s natural to simply search for colleges with marine biology. However, if the major has sparked your interest, look beyond what colleges offer marine biology—consider what your life would be like in this profession. Searching for the best colleges by major is important, but you should also think of paths that follow your areas of interest.

How much do marine biologists make?

A logical question to have when considering college majors has to do with earning potential. How much do marine biologists make? Well, when asking “how much do marine biologists make?” there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Salary depends largely on education, experience, employer, and location. However, we can give a national average in order to answer the question, “how much do marine biologists make?”

According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary of a marine biologist in the United States is $43,396 a year. As you can tell, marine biology isn’t necessarily a lucrative career. However, if you’re passionate about it, then it’s possible to have a comfortable life as a marine biologist!

When considering college majors, earning potential is important but not everything. You want to study something that you are passionate about. After all, your career takes up a large portion of your life, so opt for something you love. And remember that averages are just that: averages. Every individual situation is different, and further degrees or different employers can impact your salary.

Best Colleges for Marine Biology – Final Thoughts

If you thought there weren’t many options when considering what colleges offer marine biology, then we hope to have changed your mind. In this article, we looked at the best colleges for marine biology all over the nation. In addition to our list of the best marine biology colleges, we also checked out more options by state.

Of course, there’s more to consider than simply what colleges offer marine biology. That’s why we broke down the major, looked at what a marine biologist does, and checked out the earning potential in this career. When considering your major in college, understanding your prospects after undergrad can help you make a well-informed decision.

We know that the college application journey can be stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed when considering what colleges offer marine biology or how to get into the best colleges for marine biology, then consider getting personalized guidance. CollegeAdvisor experts have helped thousands of students and families through their college journeys. Reach out to start strategizing for your college applications today!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.