I receive numerous messages about marine biology & As I have been trying to be better about responding to each and every message, I thought this may be easier to answer all your questions!
That being said, at the moment I am not currently doing a marine bio job due to the worlds current situation but can share some insight on my experiences and time as an undergraduate student.
I graduated form the University of Tampa in 2019 with a degree in Marine Science- Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. While in my undergraduate career I participated in numerous research experiences in the lab and field. I have conducted research in the realm of coral reef science and dabbled a bit in computational chemistry. I also participated in environmental groups fulfilling leadership positions and volunteering when possible!
After graduation I accepted a position as a marine biologist for a non-profit organization in the Maldives. This local marine center ran a sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center in addition to opening up a new office on a nearby resort island. I was brought in to manage the new office and lead the installation of marine conservation educational programs, marine life protocols and a coral restoration program!
I am now planning to begin graduate school in the Fall of 2021 in Environmental Science and Management focusing on coral reef ecology.
Questions:
What classes should I take in high school?
Depending on your college choices this answer can differ. I personally think high school is the time to explore as well as in college. I would venture out and take some other classes in addition to different sciences to make sure you really want to pursue marine biology!
In high school I took a lot of art classes, home etc, and sciences. The science classes I took included biology, advanced chemistry (which I was horrible in at first), and AP biology. After exploring different potential fields to go in to I was still set on working within the marine field!
It is also completely understandable that most people will not know what they want to do before college.
What colleges should I look into?
Of course I loved my marine science program at the University of Tampa but besides that it fell short in many other aspects like administration.
Other schools that I have heard great things about is the University of Miami, College of Charleston, University of Hawaii at Manoa, any of the University of California colleges, University of Rhode Island.
What can I do with a degree in Marine Science?
One of the reasons I love the field of marine science or biology in general is because of all the different routes you can take within a career! A few examples are working as a researcher for the government, a university or even a non-profit organization. You can work solely in the lab, field or a bit of both. You can go into education or science communication and share science in effective ways. There are so many different areas that you can look into and explore.
Will I need to pursue graduate school?
This will be more dependent on what you are leaning towards career wise. If you are looking to do more research ( really in any capacity) or academia then grad school will most likely be a likely goal. On the other hand there are a lot of other career options that you can achieve without attending graduate school.
Advice
It’s going to be tough! College is always hard so expect to put in extra work as a science major!!
This career has to be pursued by those with a passion for it and not for the paychecks ! (Especially in conservation)!
If you have any other questions feel free to ask me @livatsea on instagram and I will either add them here or answer you personally.
