Unbelievably, today’s scientists know more about space with all the planets than they do about the ocean. They say only 5% has been explored and is available to the human eye. In other words, the mysterious world hidden below the ocean’s surface is just waiting to be discovered and explored. When choosing marine biology as a college major, students have a unique opportunity to open the door to the unknown. Below, we have some key reasons why a degree in this popular STEM discipline is the best choice you can possibly make.
#1 Unforgettable Field Trips
As soon as you start your first year in the field of marine biology, your professor will be taking you on so-called ‘field trips’, and that’s the best part of majoring in this discipline! From visiting fish farms or counting snails to studying the most incredible coral reefs – you will have the chance to enjoy some of the best field trips and expand your knowledge at the same time.
#2 You’ll Study a Lot of Exciting Things
While engaged in the field of marine biology, you’ll have a great variety of areas to explore. Since it’s a vast field, a lot of educational institutions build their curriculum to cover the basics of it in your freshman year. Once you’re done with the first year in college, you’ll switch to narrower fields. In general, majoring in marine biology is the key to areas like invertebrate biology, chemistry, botany, scientific diving, aquaculture, marine conservation, marine ecosystems, biodiversity, molecular biology, cell biology, vertebrate biology, genetics, oceanography, and many other sublime wonders of the scientific world.
Photo by NOAA on Unsplash
#3 Loads of Specialization to Choose from
One of the main reasons why so many young people choose marine biology as their major is because it gives them access to a large number of possible specializations. Some of the most popular are listed below:
- Marine animal psychology
- Environmental engineering
- Invertebrate biology
- Marine audiology
- Marine data science
- Marine exploration
- Environmental engineering
#4 Enjoy Diving!
Since your field trips include visiting the most incredible locations, you’ll also have some diving opportunities. From world-famous reef diving like the Andros Coral Reef (Bahamas), Mesoamerican Reef (Caribbean Sea), and Saya de Malha (Indian Ocean) to shipwreck dives of Kittiwake (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands), Yongala (Great Barrier Reef, Australia), and Hirokawa Maru (Solomon Islands) – there’s a lot to see and discover yourself in the process of studying. There’s no doubt that marine biology offers some of the best experiences ever. After all, what other major includes diving with turtles and sharks, and admiring some amazing corals in their natural habitat?
#5 Meeting New People from All Over the Globe
Majoring in marine biology attracts students from all over the globe. As a result, you’ll find yourself studying with a group of international classmates from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and Latin America. Not only will you enjoy the multicultural environment on campus, but you’ll also have the chance to make some lifelong friendships in the process. Besides, you’ll learn how to live side by side with and accept other cultures. Needless to say, you will learn more about the world and the people living here and there.
Photo by NOAA on Unsplash
#6 Kick-Start Your Professional Success
After majoring in the area of marine biology, you’ll definitely give a boost to your career as a biologist, oceanographer, marine biologist, or diver. If you’re passionate about the underwater world and would like to guarantee some nice earning potential for the future, marine biology is the course to go for.
#7 Internship Options Vary and Offer Practical Skills
As interns, students have a unique opportunity to gain precious experience and practical skills. Moreover, internships are a perfect addition to any CV when you’re on the lookout for a job in the field of marine biology. Together with the multiple academic projects completed during your studies, internships will get you prepared for a successful career. Even though the course is quite demanding, you can handle the workload if you try your best and consult professionals in the area. For instance, resources like a library, or encyclopedia (or even interviews with marine biologists) may serve as perfect helpers when it’s time to study, explore, and discover.
Who Are the Recruiters of Marine Biologists?
When it comes to professionals that are on the lookout for marine biologists to join their corporate team, they usually give preference to:
- Organizations that are independent from the government
- College research teams
- Large industrial corporations dealing in gas exploration and offshore oil concerns
- Environmental bodies run by the government
With a bachelor’s, MA, or Ph.D. degree in marine biology, you should be ready to hone your skills non-stop and relocate frequently. However, the work in this field of study is rewarding when it comes to income and interesting like no other.