Career Profiles: Marine Biology
Marine biology is the field of study concerned with ocean life and all of its biological manifestations. Areas of study include systematics, ecology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, parasitology, reproduction and development, mariculture, ocean farming, pollution biology, energy resources and conservation. They identify, catalogue, and analyze different kinds of sea life. Marine biologists often use computers and statistical analysis in their research. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in marine biology; however, competition is keen and positions are typically obtained by those with advanced degrees. CSULB is one of the few universities with a Bachelor of Science Degree programs in Marine Biology in the Western U.S. Since marine biology is a combination of many life sciences, the more specialized training or experience one has, the more competitive one becomes.
Career Possibilities:
Additional experience and/or education may be required
- Animal Behaviorist
- Animal Scientist
- Aquaculture Farmer
- Aquarium & Museum Worker
- Botanist
- Chemical Oceanographer
- Coastal Resources Worker
- Coast Guard Officer
- Commercial Diver
- Ecologist
- Ergonomist
- Fish and Wildlife Biologist
- Fish Farmer
- Fisheries Manager
- Hydrographic Survey Tech
- Ichthyologist
- Lab Technician
- Marine Algologist
- Marine Bacteriologist
- Marine Biochemist
- Marine Biologist
- Marine Ecologist
- Marine Geologist
- Marine Zoologist
- Merchant Marine
- Microbiologist
- Oceanographer Assistant
- Port and Harbor Facilities Worker
- Research Assistant
- Soil Conservationist
- Toxicologist
- Water Quality Technician
- Water Transportation Worker
Where Employed:
- Aerospace companies
- Aquariums and Zoos
- Colleges and universities
- Conservation agencies
- Eco-tourism companies
- Environmental consulting firms
- Fisheries
- Food/beverage companies
- Government agencies
- Government research laboratories
- Hospitals and clinics
- Industrial research centres
- Marine biology consulting companies
- Marine stations
- Medical laboratories
- Military services
- Museums
- National/state parks
- Non-profit environmental advocacy organizations
- Public/private schools
- Research institutes
- University Research Laboratories
Career Research Resources:
- Career exploration, exclusive jobs & internships for CSULB students can be found on CareerLINK
- Guide to career information on Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Career exploration and job analysis - O*Net Online
CSULB College and Department Links:
- College website: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Academic Advising: Undergraduate Advising Resources
- CSULB Degrees & Options: Colleges & Departments
