Online Marine Biology Schools and Degrees

<p>Marine biology students study the ecosystems of oceans along with plant and animal life in marine environments. Most marine biology programs need to be completed in person, but some schools offer online courses related to this field. A handful of schools offer online degree programs in related fields, such as biology. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degrees</b></td><td> There are a few related bachelor's and master's degree programs offered online. Individual online marine biology courses are also available.</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Hands-on activities such as internships and lab work are necessary for this field</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Classes</b></td><td> Molecular biology, aquatic ecology, genetics, plant and animal life, marine ecosystems</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatOnlineMarineBiologyDegreeProgramsAreAvailable">What Online Marine Biology Degree Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>Most colleges and universities don't offer distance learning degree programs in marine biology. This is often due to the need for hands-on lab work in school or local marine science facilities. However, some postsecondary institutions offer introductory marine biology courses online. Degree programs in related biology fields are another online option. For example, you might find a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences or a Bachelor of Arts in Biology as an online degree program. At the graduate level, a few schools offer a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology via distance learning; this type of program may explore topics related to marine biology. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoesOnlineLearningWork">How Does Online Learning Work?</h3> <p>You'll need a computer with high-speed Internet capability in order to participate. Most programs deliver course content through an online classroom management system, like Blackboard. You'll have access to assignments, recorded presentations and lecture notes at your convenience. In some cases, you may need to take proctored exams or attend lab-based sessions at a school-approved facility. </p> <h3 id="section---HowShouldIChooseASchool">How Should I Choose a School?</h3> <p>If you're interested in pursuing a career in marine biology, consider looking at schools that offer campus-based programs in the field. These programs often allow students to participate in internships and field practicums with professional marine biologists. Keep in mind that a doctoral degree is usually required in order to work independently as a biologist. </p> <p>If you'd like to learn more about marine biology and you're new to the field, enrolling in an introductory online course might be the right decision. If you have some undergraduate experience in biology or a related field, earning a master's degree in biology could prepare you for work as a research technician. Some biology master's programs are designed for currently employed K-12 teachers. The following schools offer online or on-campus options in or related to marine biology: </p> <ul><li>SUNY Empire State College (Saratoga Springs): online marine biology course </li><li>California State University (Long Beach): on-campus B.S. in Marine Biology and M.S. in Biology </li><li>Oregon State University (Corvallis): online B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences </li><li>University of Florida (Gainesville): online B.A. in Biology </li><li>University of Nebraska at Kearney: online M.S. in Biology </li><li>Western Kentucky University: online M.S. in Biology </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIStudy">What Could I Study?</h3> <p>Introductory marine biology courses focus on the ecosystems of oceans, estuaries and coastlines. In some cases, you may need to complete a field experience in order to receive credit for an individual course. These same topics are often included in campus-based bachelor's and master's programs in marine biology. Here are some of the courses you might find in a marine biology degree program: </p> <ul><li>Marine plant and animal life </li><li>Effects of population growth/development on the ecosystem </li><li>Ichthyology </li><li>Aquatic ecology </li><li>Genetics </li><li>Molecular biology</li></ul>