WHAT IS MARINE SCIENCE?
Marine Science is the study of the oceans and coastal or inland waters connected to the sea. It includes the study of the plants, anmials and microorganisms of these waters; as well as the physics, chemistry, and geology of the land and water. Marine Science also encompasses the study of the importance of the oceans to the natural environment and human impacts on the marine environment. Marine Scientists may work in laboratories or in the field, gathering and interpreting data and material which may be collected in many ways.
Socially, the importance of Marine Science as a profession and field of study is clear, based on the fact that the majority of the world's population lives within close proximity to the ocean. Marine environments are important sources of recreation and economic activity. Environmentally, the field will continue to gain importance as the health of marine environments is compromised by coastal development and many other environmental pressures, and with the continued evolution of laws related to the marine environment, such as the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Marine Science students study the marine environment and its processes. Potential subdisciplines include Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Aquaculture, Marine and Aquatic Biology, Fisheries Science, Marine Geology, Chemistry,Meteorology, Coastal Zone Management, Aquatic Animal Health, Ocean and Coastal Policy, and more. The major can also include studies in archaeology, anthropology, sociology, engineering, paleontology, and other studies of human relationships with the ocean. Specific course we've seen include:
- Planetology
- Seaweed Aquaculture
- Statistics for Marine Scientists
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Great Resources
on Marine Science
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- Marine Geology
- Coastal Geomorphography and Ornithology
- Biological Oceanography
- Marine Fisheries Science
- Marine Aquaculture
- Conservation Biology of Marine Mammals
- Marine Pollution
- Phytoplankton Ecology and Physiology
- Marsh Ecology
- Coastal Zone Management
- Benthic Community Structure
- Marine Botany and Zoology
- Reef Fishes
- Sonar and Underwater Optics
- Remote Sensing
- Marine Meteorology and Forecasting
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Marine Science graduates are employed by universities and colleges, international organizations, private companies, nonprofit laboratories and organizations, and government agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Professional positions are expected to increase in the areas of global climate change, environmental research and management, fisheries science, and marine biomedical and pharmaceutical research programs. Specific job titles we've seen include:
- Environmental Research Manager
- Fisheries Scientist
- Marine Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Meteorologist
- Outdoor Recreational Planner
- Geophysicist
- Marine Geologist
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Career Guidance
from EnviroEducation.com
 When you embark on a career in oceanography, do you envision yourself with a brief case in one hand and scuba gear in the other? NOAA's Evan Forde offers his insight into the field... >>>
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- Marine Mammal Biologist
- Micropaleontologist
- Petroleum Engineer
- Underwater Archaeologist
- Research Scientist
- Laboratory Technician
- Fishery Biologist
- Civil or Environmental Engineer
- Coastal Projects Manager
- Estuary Research Director
- Geological Oceanographer
- Lifeguard
- Dive Instructor
- Charter Boat Captain
- Underwater Filmmaker
- Fisherman
- Marine Science Educator
Salaries can vary widely, depending on education, experience, and specific discipline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not include a specific category of employment for marine scientists, but they are included under "Biological Scientsists" in general. The median annual salary of biochemists and biophysicists was $60,390 in 2002 - those involved in research and development averaged $64,390. Zoologists and wildlife biologists earned an average of $47,740 in 2002. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that beginning salary offers (in 2003) for bachelor's degree holders averaged $29,456. Master's degree recipients in the biological and life sciences were offered $33,600; Ph.D's were offered $42,24.
RELATED AREAS OF STUDY
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