Choosing the best marine biology college that provides well-equipped labs and facilities is second to none in order to excel. As a marine biologist, you get the opportunity to conduct research on various species and explore many underwater secrets. To polish your on-field experience and have a grasp on advanced knowledge in oceanography, the role of reputed schools is highly significant.
To build a successful career as a marine biologist, it is important to complete your graduation or undergraduation, from an esteemed institute where you’ll be exposed to various practical procedures and live specimen anatomy.
If you are someone with a deep interest in aquatic life and are passionate about exploring what’s under the sea, here is the list of the best marine biology colleges around the globe.
Harvard University
No matter which course we talk about, Harvard University is the pinnacle of all the institutes. It’s considered the hub of carving geniuses, where brilliant minds such as Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and T.S Eliot graduated.
Situated in Massachusetts, Cambridge, the Biology of Marine department of Harvard is fully equipped with all the latest technologies. Access to such equipment and research vessels lets students explore the mysteries of the ocean with the help of advanced technology.
The variety of subjects covered in marine biology includes geochemistry, oceanography, and the study of microorganisms.
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Tuition Fees: $58,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.5
- SAT: 1460
- GPA: 3.8
University of Southampton
The most prestigious institute in the UK, the University of Southampton, offers students a blended-learning program that is 33% learning and 67% independent learning. The course will take you through various assessments, such as familiarizing students with fieldwork and safety norms and learning about coastal ecology and vertebrae.
By the end of the course, you will be fully equipped to work as a marine biologist and you will also get to showcase your skills in the 10-day program at Plymouth.
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Tuition Fees: $13,000 annually for local students and $39,000 for international students.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- GPA: 3.2
Duke University
After 2021, Duke University, situated in Durham, USA, added marine biology to its curriculum. Students get access to vessels and laboratories to conduct research and study the molecular structure of vertebrae and microorganisms.
The focus of the study program at the University of Duke is flexible, allowing students to discover various aspects of marine ecosystems. Those include marine biochemistry, ecology, marine botany, and so on.
- Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- Tuition Fees: $44,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: 7.0
- SAT: 1560
- GPA: 3.8
University of Miami
The department of biology at University of Miami is easily among the best marine biology colleges in the US. Here you get guidance from the top minds that are marine scientists.
The University of Miami encourages students to follow subject matter related to the effects of climate change on aquatic species. Moreover, the campus is popular for its infrastructure and main attraction for foreign students, making it the best school to pursue marine biology.
- Acceptance Rate: 18.9%
- Tuition Fees: $58,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1360-1490
- GPA: 3.8
Sorbonne University
The Sorbonne University situated in Paris, France, is the top public university to pursue marine biology. The institute is supported by the European Marine Biological Resource Center, which keeps students updated with the current happenings in marine wildlife.
The school acclaimed that the curriculum is specially designed considering the rapidly changing environment of aquatic wildlife and job opportunities.
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Tuition Fees: $10,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.0
- GPA: 3.5
University of Oregon
Specialized in providing small group classrooms, the University of Oregon is nestled in Eugene, Oregon, USA. The institute is renowned for its STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), where students will be taught about marine wildlife conservation and developing new clean energies.
The faculty is fully equipped with equipment and labs and the majority of focus is given to practical knowledge. Moreover, the marine biology faculty is located near the Oregon Coast, making it feasible for students to take a closer look at marine wildlife.
- Acceptance Rate: 86.3%
- Tuition Fees: $42,800 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.0
- SAT: 1140
- GPA: 3.7
University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA and USC are the two top colleges in California; the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is renowned for STEM courses. The infrastructure is well-equipped to provide study in oceanography, ecology, and physiology of marine animals.
Students get to work with Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ), where they get to live the life of a marine biologist. After completing the course, students get the opportunity to showcase their research work, which is published in journals.
- Acceptance Rate: 8.6%
- Tuition Fees: $50,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.5
- SAT: 1300-1520
- GPA: 3.4
Utrecht University
The highly acclaimed school for marine biology, Utrecht University, offers students detailed study about marine ecology and the impact of climate on marine fauna. Moreover, the college is situated in the beautiful city of Heiderberglaan, Netherlands, spread across 350 acres.
This school prepares students to face upcoming threats and climate changes that impact marine wildlife.
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Tuition Fees: $25,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.0
- GPA: 3.5
The University of Western Australia
What better place could be to pursue marine biology than Australia, and the most renowned school for marine biology is the University of Western Australia. You get to explore nearby coastal areas and develop your on-field experience.
The school is ranked no 1 in Australia for marine biology and provides a broad range of subjects such as environmental science, conservative biology, marine systems, and so on.
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
- Tuition Fees: $41,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1200
- GPA: 3.0
Ocean University of China
The Ocean University of China has 21 campuses, aiming to spread knowledge in science and innovation. The school has 3 research vessels and separate labs for each distinct subject body, such as the lab of microbiology, the lab of ecology, the lab of marine biochemistry, and so on.
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Tuition Fees: $3,500 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 5.5
- GPA: 2.5
University of Western Brittany
The University of Western Brittany (WBO) situated in France has a joint program with other European Institute of Marine Studies (IUEM) and provides in-depth study of geophysics and naval hydrodynamics.
Due to its joint partnership with a leading research institute in marine biology, students get to explore and learn the advanced concepts.
- Acceptance Rate: No data given by the University.
- Tuition Fees: $10,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- GPA: 3
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook is among the best marine biology schools that cover the vast majority of topics in marine biodiversity. Here you’ll be doing research on microorganisms, plankton, algae, coral reefs, and fish.
Moreover, you’ll be taken one step further and discover the diseases that exist in ocean wildlife. The institute is fully equipped with research vessels and laboratories to provide students with practical hands-on.
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Tuition Fees: For local students $10,000 annually and $33,000 for international students.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1320
- GPA: 3.0
Stanford University
Hopkins Marine Station is the branch of Stanford University, the exciting part about this school is students are taken on field trips to develop practical skills on a regular basis. Students are trained under prestige members of the faculty that is filled with Ph.D. scholars.
The school also takes you to nearby tribal areas to discover more about marine habitats, giving all-round knowledge to peers.
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Tuition Fees: $42,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.0
- SAT: 1470-1570
- GPA: 3.8
University of Bergen
University of Bergen in Norway is an internationally recognized research school. Students are trained and made to understand the dynamics of ocean life and apply the learned skills in the actual workforce.
Also, the university encourages you for independent research and you can get assistance from faculty members.
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- Tuition Fees: $24,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.0
University of Tasmania
Another prestigious university in Australia where you get to study a series of core subjects related to ecology and marine diversity. The best part about the University of Tasmania is you can choose your own curriculum, enabling you to concentrate your focus on either marine or antarctic science.
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Tuition Fees: $24,000 Annually
- IELTS Score: More than 5.5
- GPA: 2.8
Columbia University
Columbia University has the most qualified faculty members who hold their expertise in ecology, oceanography, marine microbiology, and much more. The students get the option to choose their expertise from several branches of marine biology, such as chemical, microbiology, geology, and oceanography.
- Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- Tuition Fees: $36,000 Annually
- IELTS Score: More than 7.5
- SAT: 1560
Technical University of Denmark
This one would probably be the cheapest college in the list of best marine colleges, but the facilities provided are not less than the top-tier colleges. The programs in ocean research cover a wide range of studies in fisheries and biodiversity.
You can also opt to pursue ocean engineering with the course where you can get direct placement in Danish-based or international companies.
- Acceptance Rate: 20-46%
- Tuition Fees: $2,300 Annually
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- GPA: 3
University of Chicago
The Marine Biology Laboratory of the University of Chicago is highly reputed for its research work and contribution to marine science. The top students get the opportunity to work with such a prestigious laboratory and contribute to research work with scientists.
- Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
- Tuition Fees: $7,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7
- SAT: 1560
- GPA: 3.7
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool allows students to choose from various modules such as oceanography, microbiology, ecology, parasitology, physiology, and a lot more. The entire syllabus is based on research that helps students learn more with real-life examples.
You will also get your hands on preparing research, reports, fieldwork, and knowledge about ocean physics.
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Tuition Fees: $25,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1320
- GPA: 3.0
The University of Melbourne
Yet another renowned school of Australia on this list, The University of Melbourne, carves students to become one of the finest marine biologist scientists. You will get to explore local aquaculture, where you can experience a lot of fun and productive activities.
The overview of the marine biology course will navigate you through botany, marine wildlife, ecology, and microbiology. This makes it a top school for marine biology degrees.
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Tuition Fees: $32,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1160
- GPA: 3.3
Swansea University
Swansea University has a strong alumni record, as the campus emphasizes less on theoretical knowledge and more on practical field tests. You get to experience working in virtual labs where collaborative learning is fostered.
Additionally, the faculty members are quite supportive and if you have financial concerns, you may end up getting financial aid based upon your resume.
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Tuition Fees: $32,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.0
- GPA: 2.5
Texas A&M University
An extensive feature of pursuing a bachelor of science in marine biology from Texas A&M University is that by the end of the course you will also be qualified for U.S. Coast Guard. The curriculum of the course is so vast that you become eligible for biomedical, environmental outreach, conservation, and marine law enforcement.
Texas A&M University covers fish mammalogy, plant ecology, vertebrae, ichthyology, and fish physiology, which is exclusive to this institute.
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Tuition Fees: $40,000 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.0
- SAT: 1160
- GPA: 3.5
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia offers a dedicated infrastructure to conduct marine research at Sapelo Island. The students get seamless access to laboratories, libraries, and the main campus as well.
Moreover, the faculty keeps on participating in various research programs, which is a great way to develop skills and give exposure to students.
- Acceptance Rate: 42.5%
- Tuition Fees: For local students $11,000 annually and for international students $31,000.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1330-1560
- GPA: 3.9
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) marine biology program is the joint curriculum of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Through this joint program, they have created one of the finest institutes and study programs that facilitates students by providing a world-class research center.
WHOI is the largest research institute in the US, so students won’t face any lack of equipment, and they’ll be well-versed with all the concepts.
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Tuition Fees: $85,960 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 7.0
- SAT: 1520
- GPA: 3.5
Auburn University
Auburn Science faculty has its own lab-based campus that takes students on field study at the Atlantic, Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and Antarctica oceans. Like every other best marine biology college, Auburn University emphasizes practical research work as well.
What makes this college on this list is its collaboration with several marine projects, where students get to learn about advanced genetics techniques and sampling.
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Tuition Fees: $33,994 Annually.
- IELTS Score: More than 6.5
- SAT: 1330
- GPA: 3.6
Choosing the best marine biology college on the list entirely depends on your preferences and goals. Having a degree from a reputed college and hands-on experience opens up the door for several career prospects.
Bachelors and masters in marine biology offer interesting opportunities that allow them to interact with tribes, explore nature, and so on.
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Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Marine Biology College
The above-mentioned schools should be your main target to have a successful career and unlock new ventures. Choosing the top marine biology college for post-secondary education is essential, as it benefits you in many ways. If somehow you are unable to get into any of these top schools, then there are some essential factors to consider.
Here are some checklists you should consider before picking your institute to pursue a marine biology degree.
- The institute should have a separate laboratory for marine biology faculty, as all the equipment and specimens would be reserved. This would help students to conduct better research and gain more practical skills.
- The institute should be accredited by a reputed University or research wing, which will help students equip themselves with better and advanced knowledge.
- The faculty members and alumni should be reputed as they will help you through your tenure.
- The institute should have more research and practical opportunities rather than a theoretical-based curriculum. The career prospects as a marine biologist are more about fieldwork and research.
An additional benefit of pursuing a degree from the best marine biology schools is their well-connected placement cell. This makes it easier for you to land a job as soon as you complete your degree.
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Career Opportunities With a Marine Biology Degree
As a marine biology degree holder, you will get to experience enthralling and adventurous job opportunities. The responsibilities and duties of various job positions as a marine biologist are quite common; they include:
- Collecting samples, and preserving them for further research.
- Interacting with local people and fishermen to record any abnormality or happenings in the ocean.
- Work on recent breakthroughs or discoveries in marine life and present the report to the government and public.
Moreover, here are the top career opportunities with a marine biology degree:
Marine Histologist
A marine histologist prepares tissue samples of aquatic creatures and organisms and further proceeds the samples for microscopic analysis. This procedure directly contributes to new discovery as it provides relevant information on species age, mating season, and maturity size.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s and master’s in marine biology.
- Salary: $52,000 Annually.
Marine Microbiologist
As the name suggests, marine microbiology is the study of microorganisms in the ocean. Those include parasites, fungi, coral reefs, and other microorganisms. This helps scientists discover the molecular structure of organisms and also allows them to pen down the effects of climate change and pollution on aquatic wildlife.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s in microbiology and marine biology.
- Salary: $62,000 Annually.
Marine Technician
Marine technicians are basically assistants of senior scientists and have to mostly indulge themselves in the fieldwork. Maintaining equipment and regular vessel checks and detecting any kind of fault is also part of their job. They may also be required to assist in research work and maintain reports.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s marine biology and certification courses.
- Salary: $60,000 Annually.
Ecologist
The most demanding job in the field of marine biology is an ecologist. As an ecologist, you’ll be required to perform a study on aquatic fauna and understand the relationship between the environment and sea creatures.
The temperature of the ocean is rising due to global warming and pollutants affecting marine life. Based on their research work and outcome, they present marine conservative guidelines.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s and master’s in marine biology.
- Salary: $69,000 Annually.
Professor
Marine biology professor is the most prestigious and well-respected career option. The majority of professors hold a Ph.D. and are experts in the field, where they are also part-time marine scientists. As a professor, you have a responsibility to carve the future of marine biologists.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in marine biology.
- Salary: $80,000 Annually.
As the career with a marine biology degree is limitless, to reach the pinnacle opportunities such as marine scientists and marine scientists requires years of on-field experience. As a senior scientist, your payday will approximately be around $110,000 annually.
All this begins with a small step, which is completing your high school diploma and pursuing a marine biology degree from a prestigious college.
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Conclusion
So, this was the list of the best 25 marine biology colleges around the globe. As the scope of exploration is vast in the ocean, only 5% of the depths have been explored.
Career opportunities in marine biology are quite different, you get to unravel life that is beyond our understanding with the opportunity to make new discoveries and contribute to science. Graduating from a renowned college makes you a strong candidate, as you will be provided with a well-equipped facility and laboratory.
Further higher education unlocks various opportunities as a marine engineer, marine scientist, and environmental planner, which are the highest paying jobs.
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FAQs
Ans: There are ample amounts of job opportunities for marine biologists, but there are more number of marine biologist degree holders than job openings.
Ans: No, not all marine biologists are required to scuba dive, as there are many other ways to conduct research and examine the ocean.
Ans: Boston University, Northeast University, and the University of Miami are some of the prestigious colleges to pursue marine biology.
Ans: The United States of America and Costa Rica are two major countries with the most number of marine biologists.
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