A marine science degree can open up a world of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. It’s a versatile degree that can lead to a number of different specialties, giving you the ability to pursue a career in a number of different fields. From research and conservation to management and consulting, a marine science degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a successful and meaningful career. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the most common and desired jobs in the marine science industry. We’ll look at the education and other requirements for each job, as well as the salary and benefits you can expect. We’ll also cover some of the most in-demand jobs within the field and why they’re so popular. Finally, we’ll check out some of the unique and unexpected job opportunities available with a marine science degree. So, if you’re considering a career in marine science or just curious about your options,
What is a marine science degree?
A natural science degree in marine science focuses on the oceans and marine life of the world. Students in degree programs learn about oceanography, marine ecosystems, marine flora, marine fauna, and the effects of climate change. A combination of lectures, lab work, and field work is used to teach students. They could concentrate in a specific field of marine science, like ocean chemistry or ocean biology
The minimum degree level required for marine science is a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Studying marine science at the master’s or doctoral level is another way for students to get a more thorough education.
You’ll need a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate to pursue marine science in college. You can get ready for a marine science degree by taking math and natural science courses in high school, such as biology and chemistry.
10 marine science degree jobs
Students can prepare for careers in science, conservation, and education by studying marine science. Here are 10 marine science major jobs:
A marine animal trainer’s main responsibilities include teaching seals and dolphins tricks and how to interact with people for aquariums, zoos, and theme parks. Additionally, marine animal trainers provide basic animal care, such as feeding their charges and maintaining their pens. With their animals, they facilitate educational presentations that inform the public about the value of conservation. While candidates with any bachelor’s degree are qualified for this position, many employers favor those with backgrounds in marine science.
An aquaculture technician’s main responsibilities include raising fish and marine plants for food, pets, and research. Fish are fed, tanks are cleaned, and water quality and chemical composition are monitored. While some people can work as aquaculture technicians after graduating from high school, those who have a bachelor’s degree in marine science stand out from the competition. Many government agencies, academic institutions, and organizations in the private sector favor degree holders.
Taking care of captive fish and marine mammals in aquariums, zoos, theme parks, and research facilities is the primary responsibility of an aquarist, a type of zookeeper. Animals are fed, their tanks or enclosures are cleaned, and enrichment activities are provided. Additionally, they might offer educational programs that instruct guests about animal conservation and the ocean. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as marine science, is required for aquarists.
A marine science research technician’s main responsibilities are to assist marine scientists with their research. These individuals gather information, analyze samples, carry out experiments, and place orders for supplies in order to lighten the workload of marine biologists and oceanographers. Marine scientists require a bachelors degree in marine science.
Protecting marine environments, their flora, and fauna are the primary responsibilities of a marine conservationist. Additionally, they contribute to the recovery of marine ecosystems and the decline of harmful human activities like whaling, pollution, and overfishing. They engage in practical conservation work and lobby governments to pass laws protecting the oceans and seas. People with marine science bachelor’s degrees typically work for small-scale conservation organizations. Master’s and doctoral degree holders are frequently sought after by major international conservation organizations.
A professor of marine science’s main responsibilities are teaching college and university students about marine science. Additionally, marine science professors carry out independent research on subjects related to their areas of expertise and publish their findings in scholarly journals and research publications. Professors of marine science must hold a doctoral degree in order to teach at universities rather than community colleges.
A marine biologist’s main responsibilities are to investigate the behavior and life cycles of marine plants and animals. Additionally, marine biologists may research how illnesses, environmental factors, and human behavior affect marine life. Typically, marine biologists focus on a single area of study, such as a specific species or ecosystem. They gather and analyze ocean samples, watch marine life in its natural environment, and then publish their findings. A bachelor’s degree in marine science is required for marine biologists, though some positions call for a master’s or doctoral degree.
An aquatic land manager’s main responsibilities are to supervise the creation and utilization of aquatic areas. Their work lessens the effects of humans on aquatic environments and the creatures and plants that inhabit them. They work closely with government agencies and private landowners. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as marine science, is required for aquatic land managers.
An oceanographer’s main responsibilities include studying the world’s oceans and how anthropogenic factors and environmental changes affect these waterways over time. They observe oceans, collect samples from them and analyze them. Geological oceanography (the study of the ocean floor) and chemical oceanography (the study of the chemicals found in the ocean) are two specialties of oceanographers. A bachelor’s degree in marine science is required for oceanographers, though some positions call for a master’s or doctoral degree.
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FAQ
What type of jobs are in marine science?
- Marine animal trainer.
- Aquaculture technician.
- Aquarist.
- Marine science research technician.
- Marine conservationist.
- Marine science professor.
- Marine biologist.
- Environmental planner.
Is marine science a good degree?
Many marine scientists will tell you that they pursue their careers not for the high pay, but rather out of pure passion and a love for the ocean. However, given that some of the marine science fields, like marine engineering and marine geology, pay higher salaries, have excellent career prospects.
What can you do with a marine degree?
- Aquaculturist.
- Coastal zone manager.
- Energy and mineral explorer.
- Environmental health specialist.
- Environmental planner.
- Fisheries scientist.
- Marine ecologist.
- Museum and aquarium administrator.
What is the highest paying marine science job?
- Environmental planner. …
- Scientist. …
- Professor. …
- Data scientist. …
- Animal trainer. …
- Research assistant. National average salary: $47,541 per year. …
- Commercial diver. National average salary: $55,057 per year. …
- Ship captain. National average salary: $96,741 per year.
