programs Match the Promise

Career: Marine Biologist

Anna – future marine biologist

When I get into college, I would like to be a marine biologist. In Leap when I was in 2nd grade, we learned about different job areas, marine biology was one of the ones we studied. A few years ago, we went to College Station and when we were in one of the buildings, there was a smartboard telling you about different jobs. I didn't think much of it, but now I feel like that's what I want to do.

Marine biology is the study of marine plants or animals, their behaviors and interactions with the environment. Marine biologists study biological oceanography and the associated fields of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography to understand marine animals. Marine biology is a very broad area, so most researchers select a particular area of interest and specialize in it. Specializations can be based on a particular species, group, behavior, technique, or ecosystem.

Marine biologists must complete at least a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years. Marine biologists might find it useful to have a strong background in engineering, math, or computer science in addition to getting a natural sciences education. Biology programs have a big laboratory component, so students in these programs gain experience working with laboratory tools and following laboratory and research protocols.

As a marine biologist, it can be hard to find a job, but there are a few that will hire like universities and colleges, international organizations, federal and state agencies, private companies, laboratories, local governments, or you can be self-employed.

Works Cited

  • "How to Become a Marine Biologist." How To Become - Practical Guide for Careers. SR Education Group, 2016. Web. 1 Dec. 2016. .
  • Kahle, Craig P. "WHAT IS MARINE BIOLOGY? CAREER OPPORTUNITIES." Marine Science Institute- University. The University of Texas at Austin, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2016. .
  • "Marine Biology Department." Marine Biology Department- Texas A&M Galveston, TX. Texas A&M, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2016. .

Anna's essay appears here as written, to preserve the young author’s unique voice and individual writing style. However, we have deleted personally identifiable information to protect the student’s privacy.