What is the benefit of a biology degree vs. a marine biology degree?

If you want to become a marine biologist, there are major advantages to earning a biology degree with a marine biology option built into the degree program. The degree’s core curriculum provides a solid knowledge base in biological concepts, gaining you valuable perspective on subjects like genetics, ecology and cell biology. That perspective serves you well when you dive into your marine-based curriculum, where you can take advantage of unique hands-on learning experiences that appeal directly to your specific interests. This way, you can develop into a well-rounded scientist with a strong biology background along with specialized experience in marine biology and ecology. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in marine biology and much more.

What’s it like studying marine biology at Oregon State?

Hands-on research opportunities embedded in coursework. The marine biology option includes biology course BI 450, where you’ll experience a term or more in residence at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. There, you’ll have direct access to seawater systems, a research vessel and thriving food webs in the Pacific Ocean.

A diverse breadth of lab and field opportunities. You can discover what part of marine biology is most fulfilling to you with exposure to labs researching everything from phytoplankton to the ocean’s largest mammals.

Proper preparation for a career in marine biology. Thanks to a thorough biology curriculum and specialized hands-on learning experiences in marine life, your resume can stand out in a big way. Here are some types of jobs OSU grads have landed:

• Shellfish Data Technician
• Lab Manager
• Marine Phytoplankton Specialist
• Aquarist
• Positions at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and other governmental agencies
• Conservation advocates at nonprofits
• Marine animal educators and curators at zoos and aquariums around the world

Remember: Outside of marine biology, your degree also sets you up for countless other career pathways, from human health to government policy.

Small-school attention with large university resources. The Hatfield Marine Science Center program is cohort-based. These small groups benefit from the extensive amount of time they get to interact and collaborate with faculty and government/guest researchers who lead their fields.

Internship and experiential opportunities for all. Oregon State biology majors have landed a variety of marine biology internship opportunities all around the country and beyond. There's also a wide range of internships at Hatfield Marine Science Center, where you can delve into sample collection/analysis, predator/prey studies, science education, community outreach and more.

Explore the Major

Biology major at Oregon State University

Degree requirements: Marine Biology and Ecology option

Biology and Zoology Advising Guides

Other majors to consider if you like marine sciences and ecology

• Microbiology with Aquatic Microbiology option which includes courses like Oceanography, Marine Biology and Ecology, Marine Conservation Biology and more
  
• Biology with Ecology option which includes Field Methods in Marine Ecology, Marine and Estuarine Zoology, Aquatic Entomology and more
  
• Chemistry with Environmental Chemistry option which includes courses like Aquatic Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology and Ecology and Ecotoxicology: Aquatic Systems.