Marine Biology, B.S.

This undergraduate program gives students the opportunity to study a diverse curriculum in the ideal location of Galveston Bay, which offers the chance for endless hands-on field and lab work. The courses are tailored to give students a solid foundational knowledge while allowing students to pursue their specific interests within this popular field. Students will have a plethora of options for electives, which can even allow them to pursue biomedical or veterinary degree programs.

Marine Biology Degree    

This highly sought degree allows students to couple the instruction from world-renowned professors with limitless hands-on opportunities. The coursework builds quickly from the basics, allowing for students to use a strong science foundation as a springboard into some truly fascinating elective courses to suit individual interests.

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License Option Available    

Interested students can elect the License Option, which entails the required coursework for a U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate deck or engine officer. This is conferred to a student when they have completed all their academic requirements (including cruises), as well as successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard 3rd Mate exam.  For further details, see the links below.

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Marine Biology Classes    

Major Core Classes (Required)
Major Core Classes (Required)

BIOL 111  Introductory Biology I
MARB 101 Succeeding in Science
MARS 102 Earth and Ocean Science
MARB 215 Introductory Biology II
MARB 301 Genetics
MARB 303 Biostatistics
MARB 310 Introduction to Cell Biology
MARB 315 Natural History of Vertebrates
MARB 420 Comparative Animal Physiology
MARB 425 Marine Ecology
MARB 430 Coastal Plant Ecology
MARB 435 Marine Invertebrate Zoology

Elective Classes
Elective Classes

BIOL 351   Fundamentals of Microbiology
MARB 302 SeaWorld Experience
MARB 311 Ichthyology
MARB 320 Fisheries Techniques
MARB 335 Fish Physiology
MARB 360 Marine Conservation Biology
MARB 400 Biology of Marine Mammals
MARB 401 Physiology of Marine Mammals
MARB 403 Cetacean Behavior and Behavioral Ecology
MARB 405 Marine Parasitology
MARB 407 Research & Conservation in Greece
MARB 408 Marine Botany
MARB 409 Biology of Sharks and their Relatives
MARB 410 Animal Behavior
MARB 411 Elasmobranch Ecology
MARB 414 Toxicology
MARB 415 Coastal Marine Bio & Geology of Alaska
MARB 423 Mariculture
MARB 426 Aquatic Animal Nutrition
MARB 433 Bioinformatics
MARB 437 Pathology of Marine Animals
MARB 445 Marine Fisheries Management
MARB 460 Fisheries Population Dynamics
MARB 466 Evolutionary Biology
MARB 484 Undergraduate Internship
MARB 491 Research in Marine Biology

License Option Required Classes
License Option Required Classes

MART 103  Basic Safety and Lifeboatman Training
MART 115  Seamanship I
MART 201  Vessel Structure and Ship Knowledge
MART 202  Ship Stability and Trim
MART 204  Terrestrial Navigation
MART 208  Marine Meteorology
MART 210  Integrated Navigation I: Radar/ARPA/ECDIS
MART 212  Marine Dry Cargo Operations
MART 215  Seamanship II
MART 303  Celestial Navigation
MART 307  Global Marine Distress Safety System
MART 310  Integrated Navigation II: Electronic Navigation
MART 313  Marine Liquid Cargo Operations
MART 321  Navigation on Rules, International and Inland
MART 410  Integrated Navigation III
MART 498  Maritime Medical Care
NVSC 200  Naval Science for the Merchant Marine Officer
MART 200  Deck Sea Training I: Basic Communications, Navigation and Seamanship
MART 300  Deck Sea Training II: Intermediate Communications, Navigation and Seamanship
or MART 350  Deck Sea Training II: Commercial Internship
MART 400 Deck Sea Training III: Advanced Communications, Navigation and Seamanship

Career Opportunities    

Love What You Do

Second-to-none experiences in the classroom, the lab, and in the field combine to give our students the ultimate marine biology education, preparing them for an exciting and invaluable career.

Career Paths

Research
Professor
Conservation
Law Enforcement (Game Warden)
Environmental consultant
Veterinarian
Medical Field
Outreach
Secondary Education

Hiring Agencies

Zoos and Aquariums            
State and Federal agencies        
Private industry
Universities
Hospitals
Conservation Groups
Non-profits

Salary Ranges

State/Federal agencies (TPWD, NOAA, Corps of Engineers): $35-40K
Non Profit Environmental Outreach: $30-35K
Teaching Science in public schools: $45-60K
Research/Laboratory Assistant: $30-45K
Fisheries/Marine Mammal Observer: $40-65K

Apply Today    

At Texas A&M University at Galveston we offer a comprehensive array of degrees which are geared to make the most of our ideal location on the edge of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With programs ranging from marine biology to maritime administration led by enterprising professors at the top of their fields, we’re full of the opportunities you’re seeking.

Contact Today    

Curious? Want to know more? Let us point you in the right direction.

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