Marine Biotechnology Jobs and Degree Programs

<p>Marine biotechnology combines multiple scientific and technological disciplines, including oceanography, marine biology and physical sciences. You might not be able to find a degree program specifically in marine biotechnology, but educational options in biological and marine sciences can prepare you for jobs in the field. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees</b> </td><td> Associate in Science in Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science or Arts in Fisheries, Master of Science in Biologic Oceanography, Master of Science and Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certificates</b> </td><td> Undergraduate Certificate in Biotechnology, Graduate Certificates in Oceanography, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, cell biology, plant biotechnology, pathophysiology, marine field ecology, oceanography, marine biology, hematology</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeProgramsAreAvailableInMarineBiotechnology">What Degree Programs Are Available in Marine Biotechnology?</h3> <p>At the undergraduate level, you can earn an associate or bachelor's degree that could lead to research positions, production jobs or preparation for graduate studies. Master's degree, graduate certificate and doctoral programs allow you to focus more acutely on a specialization and prepare you for advanced employment in complex research, development or academic positions. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>Biotechnology certificate and associate degree programs include courses in genetics and biochemistry, though marine studies are usually more prevalent in bachelor's degree and graduate programs. In marine biology and oceanography undergraduate programs, you'll study subjects in some elements of biotechnology. Bachelor's degree programs in marine sciences or biotechnology commonly expand on fundamental subjects, incorporating studies in quality control and product regulation. You may be exploring some of these areas: </p> <ul><li>Microbiology </li><li>Immunology </li><li>Organic chemistry </li><li>Marine ecology </li><li>Chemistry </li><li>Biology </li><li>Molecular science </li><li>Laboratory sciences </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutGraduateCourses">What About Graduate Courses?</h3> <p>Some schools offer graduate programs in marine biology in combination with studies in the operation and management of fisheries or environmentalism. However, it's more common to find concentration options within a marine biology or oceanography program. Graduate programs are largely independent, basing coursework on your own individual research interests. You'll find that most schools with biotechnology and marine biology programs allow you to combine the disciplines and customize your own curriculum. These course topics might be covered in your graduate program: </p> <ul><li>Marine disease </li><li>Quantitative biology </li><li>Advances in biotechnology </li><li>Biochemical engineering </li><li>Principles in synthetic biology </li><li>Global health and biotechnology </li><li>Ancient marine life </li><li>Marine science policy and ethics </li><li>Biology and ecology of fishes, coral and coral reefs </li><li>Maine birds and mammals </li><li>Marine conservation biology </li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnADegreeOnline">Can I Earn a Degree Online?</h3> <p>If you have personal or professional scheduling conflicts, a few schools offer online or hybrid programs. Although on-campus programs are more common, there are some undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as graduate certificate courses, that can be taken through a school's course management system, via DVD or through online reading materials. Schools might make some or all coursework available online, but require you to participate in field research or internship programs. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatJobsCanIGet">What Jobs Can I Get?</h3> <p>As a marine biotechnologist, you can work in a variety of positions based on your level of education. Some universities, professional organizations and government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, offer postdoctoral fellowships that provide grants and research funding specifically for marine biotechnology projects. You could also find work in research, development and production in fields such as drug development, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and manufacturing, genetics, agricultural research, plant breeding or biotechnology sales.</p>