If you’re fascinated by the ocean and dream of a career studying marine life, choosing the right college is the first step. The best colleges for marine biology offer more than a quality education – they immerse you in hands-on research, provide local access to the ocean, and open the door to internships.
These are the top marine biology programs across the U.S., whether you’re interested in marine science, biological oceanography, ecology, or environmental biology.
1. University of California – Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Nestled on the Pacific Coast, UCSB offers direct access to the ocean and some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in California. You can work alongside faculty at the Marine Science Institute, which focuses on coastal research, climate change, and biodiversity. USCB also has an oceanfront campus with tidepools and kelp forests nearby.
2. University of Miami
Located on Virginia Key in Florida, the University of Miami has a marine school that gives incredible access to marine environments. With warm waters and coral reefs nearby, it’s an ideal setting for marine studies. Plus, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science provides access to NOAA research and internship programs with cutting-edge facilities for ocean research.
3. Oregon State University
Oregon State University has a marine biology program in the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, which serves as a hub for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative research. There are strong ties to marine conservation and fisheries science, as well as direct coastal access for field-based courses on Oregon’s rugged coast.
4. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
UCSD features the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the most prestigious marine science institutions in the world. Located in La Jolla, it offers undergraduates access to elite research and facilities with highly competitive programs in marine biology and oceanography. Students have access to on-site research vessels and aquarium facilities and opportunities to collaborate with top marine scientists.
5. University of Hawaii at Manoa
If you’re interested in tropical marine biology, Hawaii is the place to be. The University of Hawaii offers a unique opportunity to study coral reefs, volcanic coastal systems, and native marine species with rich fieldwork in diverse marine environments. The university also has partnerships with conservation organizations and marine parks.
6. College of Charleston
Located in historic Charleston, the College of Charleston offers students access to estuaries, salt marshes, and barrier islands for learning and research. The Grice Marine Laboratory provides hands-on training and internships in close collaboration with NOAA and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
7. Eckerd College
Eckerd College is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg that sits on the Gulf of Mexico and offers immersive marine science experiences. The campus is on the waterfront and offers research vessels for hands-on learning. Eckerd College has a semester-at-sea program and study abroad opportunities as well, giving you a chance to learn in diverse environments.
8. University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is home to one of the nation’s leading oceanography graduate programs and offers strong marine science options for undergraduates. There’s close proximity to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as research opportunities at the Graduate School of Oceanography.
9. Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus
Texas A&M University, Galveston campus specializes in ocean-focused degrees, offering a more hands-on experience than its College Station counterpart. There are degrees in marine biology, ocean and coastal resources, and maritime studies, as well as access to research vessels and Galveston Bay. Students can get internships with local ports, aquariums, and marine businesses.
10. University of New England
Located in Biddeford, Maine, the University of New England offers access to cold-water marine ecosystems along the northern Atlantic Coast. The on-campus Marine Science Center has wet labs and research facilities for experiential learning.
11. University of Florida
The University of Florida in Gainesville tailors its marine science curriculum to meet the needs of its students, offering a customizable combination of lower-division, upper-division, elective, and planned credits. Students can focus on areas such as climate change, sea turtle biology, conservation, and more.
12. Duke University
Duke University offers multiple marine science degrees and certificates, as well as travel courses in other countries, and an on-site laboratory. Students will gain hands-on experience with oyster farming, whale tagging, and studying local marsh grasses, while learning about conservation and sustainability. While this university can be challenging to get into, our guide to getting into Duke can help.
How to Choose the Best College for Marine Biology for You
Each student’s goals are different, so it’s important to consider these factors when choosing a marine biology program:
- Location and ocean access: Colleges near the coast offer more opportunities for fieldwork, research, and direct interaction with marine ecosystems. You should also look for proximity to research labs, estuaries, and coral reefs to enhance experiential learning.
- Research opportunities: Look for programs that prioritize hands-on research, even at the undergraduate level. Labs, marine stations, and research vessels can significantly impact your learning experience.
- Internships and career connections: Whether it’s the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA), aquariums, conservation groups, or marine parks, the top marine biology colleges offer internship pipelines that help students gain real-world experience.
- Degree options and specializations: Some schools offer strictly marine biology, while others offer broader marine science or oceanography programs. Consider the programs that best match your career path.
Career Paths in Marine Biology
Marine biology graduates often pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- Marine conservation and environmental advocacy
- Scientific research in the field or lab
- Marine policy or resource management
- Education and outreach at museums, aquariums, or public programming
- Advanced study in graduate or professional schools
Career Outlook for Marine Biology
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in zoology and wildlife biology – which includes marine biology – is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033.[1] This is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The minimum education for entry-level positions is a bachelor’s degree, but careers in research or education typically require a Ph.D.
There’s no specific data for salary for marine biologists, but the median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $70,600 in May 2023.[2] The highest 10% of the field earned over $110,590.[3] The highest-paying fields are in management, scientific, and technical consulting services, followed by government.
Fulfill Your Dream of Marine Biology
Choosing one of the best colleges for marine biology opens a world of possibilities with hands-on learning in ocean environments, advanced labs, and top-tier research facilities. The top marine biology colleges offer access to diverse ecosystems from tropical coral reefs to cold-water environments on the Atlantic Coast. If you have your heart set on marine biology at one of these competitive programs, InGenius Prep can help you make a great impression on your application. Contact us today for your free consultation!