Ready to go to marine biology college and become the next Jacques Cousteau?

After a car accident ended Jacque Cousteau’s dream to be a pilot, he found his true love . . . the ocean. After one swim in the ocean with goggles on, he discovered his new passion and began to think of a way to be in this new world as long as possible.

When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself. (Jacques Cousteau)

One of many of Cousteau’s accomplishments is the Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (also known as the SCUBA) which he and Emile Gagnan invented. Thanks to this invention there are millions of scuba divers exploring the deep blue and all it has to offer. Will your passion still be affecting millions of people after you die?   

Swimming with dolphins at Sea World. Studying the mating patterns of a specific type of clam. Protecting the ocean and all its many inhabitants. If any of these situations sound like a great day at work to you, you may want to be a Marine Biologist.

Before you decide you want to commit to a lifetime of learning, ask yourself a few questions. How do I find the best marine biology college for me? How can I prepare to earn a marine biology degree? What is a marine biologist’s salary?

Marine Biology Colleges and Degrees

If the thought of studying all types of ocean life, from picoplankton to whales, excites you then you probably want to know “Where can I find colleges that offer marine biology?” To start with, it is recommended to major in a broad subject, like Biology, for your Bachelor’s degree. Then specialize in a field of Marine Biology for your graduate degree. 

Since a broad science major is recommended for a Bachelor’s degree there are many schools that may be a great fit for you. Make sure to find a school that has a strong science department and internship opportunities available in the marine biology field to begin gaining practical experience. EdSoup.com can help you start your search for marine biology colleges.   

Next, you will begin the search for top marine biology colleges to earn your Master’s and/or PhD. As you are nearing the completion of your undergraduate degree you should know what your specialization in marine biology will be. With this knowledge in hand, choose a school that has a strong program in your field of interest with researchers specializing in that field. 

To search for marine biology colleges in the United States, visit College Directory Network.

Are you looking for marine biology programs at international schools?  Find international marine biology universities and schools here.

How to Prepare to be a Marine Biologist

You are still reading so you must still think a marine biology degree is for you! So how can you prepare now? 

• Enroll in as many science, math, and physics classes as possible while in high school
• Explore marine biology on your own through science fairs and internships
• Become a certified SCUBA diver and get up close and personal with the ocean world
• Become best friends with your teachers and professors so you will have countless glowing recommendation letters

Marine Biologists Salaries

So after years of schooling, what can you expect to make?

The salaries for marine biologists vary widely from $45,000 to $110,000 per year, according to PayScale. This is a wide range with the number of years experience and type of work heavily influencing what the average salary will be. Many marine biologists emphasize that you should not enter the field of work for the pay, you should have a true passion for what you do.

Now that you are armed with information, get out there and find the right marine biology college, and begin your quest to become the next Jacques Cousteau! 

Want more? Here is an interview of a marine biologist with his thoughts and advice.