by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 39 U.S. colleges awarded 630 degrees and certificates in Marine Science. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 67% of graduates. College Factual ranks 19 schools in its 2027 Best Marine Science Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $27,992 one year after completing, rising to $53,712 after four years.
A major in Marine Science allows students to learn about the sea and its inhabitants. This interdisciplinary major includes classes in many different disciplines, all relating to the relationships between life on land and the ocean. The study of pollution is also an important part of this major.
Some of the courses you will take are physics, biology, geology, chemistry, botany, marine ecology, and oceanography. Marine Science will require mathematical work as you gather and analyze data to solve complex problems.
Studying Marine Science covers Marine Sciences.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, marine science is a popular field of study, with 630 degrees awarded annually. 39 colleges award marine science degrees, an average of 16 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 115.
By level, the 630 awards include 3 certificates, 8 associate degrees, 425 bachelor’s degrees, 148 master’s degrees and 46 doctorates.
Women earned 62% of marine science degrees and certificates in the latest year (392 of 630). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (411) and Hispanic or Latino (80), and international students earned 20.
College Factual ranks 19 schools in its 2027 Best Marine Science Schools ranking, including 12 for bachelor’s degrees and 5 for master’s degrees. It also ranks marine science schools within 6 states. In all, 39 colleges offer marine science programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Marine Science Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common marine science credential is the bachelor’s degree: 425 of the 630 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to marine science call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Writing, and for knowledge of English Language, Biology and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Written Expression and Inductive Reasoning.
This major is challenging, yet very rewarding. Students are required to participate in lectures and labs and complete reading and papers. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in lab as well as in the library reading scientific research. Part of this field will involve visiting the ocean to collect actual data and specimens. A passion for your subject will aid you as you confront unpredictable weather conditions and uncomfortable environments.
Develop your scientific mind by gathering and analyzing data. Work on both written and spoken communication skills in order to present your ideas clearly. Interpreting and analyzing peer research will also be important. Inter-personal skills will help you gain new perspectives and learn corporately.
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How long a marine science degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 3 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 8 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 425 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 148 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 46 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to marine science, at 40.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.5% |
| Master’s degree | 29.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.3% |
| Some college courses | 2.2% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
17 occupations are related to Marine Science, with an average median salary of $82,809; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Research Scientist, Industrial Arts Teacher, University Teacher and Lecturer.
A Marine Science degree will prepare you for an occupation in almost any marine occupation. You will be able to work as a researcher, an ecologist, an environmentalist scientist, or even a coast guard officer. Other career paths could involve marine engineering or zoology. Many graduates also continue their education to receive a Master's degree.
The occupation related to marine science with the most projected jobs is Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, at 964,215.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 188,913 | 7.4% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Climate Change Policy Analysts | 173,597 | 7.1% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | 159,217 | -1.2% |
Marine Science graduates earn a median $27,992 one year after completing their program, $53,712 after four years and $48,064 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $27,992 |
| 4 years | $53,712 |
| 5 years | $48,064 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to marine science is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | $92,484 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $90,139 |
| Industrial Ecologists | $83,212 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $79,550 |
Marine Science includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Marine Sciences (630). It has 48 similar majors in the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies field, which together award 149,792 degrees a year; the largest are Biological and Physical Sciences (29,811), Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (29,665) and Data Analytics (17,572). Browse all Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Marine Sciences | 630 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 29,811 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 29,665 |
| Data Analytics | 17,572 |
| Data Science | 11,772 |
| MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | 11,175 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 6,906 |
| International/Globalization Studies | 5,644 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 5,569 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4,567 |
| Cognitive Science | 3,911 |
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