by our College Data Analytics TeamA 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.
In 2020-2021, marine science was the 295th most popular major nationwide with 334 degrees awarded. This represents a 6.6% increase in marine science degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 312.
This year's Best Marine Science Schools ranking compares 16 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom marine science rankings further below.
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.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic marine science program qualifications, to serve in some marine science careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Marine Science degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in marine science to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a marine science degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to marine science, with approximately 40.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for marine science workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 33.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 9.7% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 5.2% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.7% |
Most workers in marine science have at least a master's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in marine science have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which marine science career you choose.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your marine science degree? Marine Science careers are expected to grow 9.8% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to marine science.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | 99,400 | 11.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
| Biological Scientists | 41,800 | 8.0% |
| Geoscientists | 36,500 | 14.1% |
Recently graduated marine science students earned an average of $26,266 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $24,924 to as high as $27,607. As you might expect, salaries for marine science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for marine science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers marine science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Physical Scientists | $110,090 |
| Geoscientists | $107,800 |
| Biological Scientists | $83,600 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $77,580 |
With over 43 different marine science degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased marine science school rankings to help you with this.
Marine Science is one of 44 different types of Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 34,975 |
| Biological & Physical Science | 30,075 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,074 |
| International Studies | 7,368 |
| Nutrition Science | 5,330 |
