Best marine biology colleges

Marine biology schools are getting incredibly popular in no small amount thanks to the definition of marine biology as a field. Marine biology successfully merges the fascinating side of the marine ecosystems with scientific discovery. If you are someone who is passionate about underwater life complete with its coral reefs and rock formations stretching thousands of miles deep, you can join the fray of marine biologists and enthusiasts studying environmental conservation and transformative research. Marine biology classes present an excellent opportunity to initiate transformation and open the door to promising career paths. With so many students trying to balance coursework and research in this demanding field, seeking reliable support can lighten your load allowing you to focus more on marine studies and lab reports. There is always a skilled paper writer waiting to ease your worries and do the coursework part of your marine studies for you.

What is marine biology and why is it important?

Marine biology is a complex area of study that covers marine ecosystems, the lives of all the underwater and saltwater inhabitants, and the general study of microorganisms and animals in oceans and seas. A marine biologist aspiring for greatness can dedicate their life to the exploration of behavior, psychology, anatomy, and genetics of common marine organisms. These can range from the tiniest, miniscule micro planktons that are not noticeable to the human eye, up to the largest representatives of the marine ecosystem. Marine biology helps students understand the potential of lands and resources located underwater and protect marine species that have been endangered due to water pollution and continuous harmful impact on the world’s oceans. Marine biology studies the role of the ocean in the global carbon cycles, promotes seafood practices that remain sustainable (including sustainable fisheries), and discovers new compounds for medicine tapping into the ocean’s immeasurable resources.

A list of top marine biology colleges

Here, you will find the list of the best marine biology colleges that you need to consider if you are planning to major in marine science: 

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCLA

Scripps is one of the oldest institutions in the world where you can pursue a degree in marine science and write your coursework simultaneously. Scripps has advanced marine biology programs for students ready to explore the secrets of the deep with the help of the establishment’s cutting-edge lab equipment. Here, students will have access to laboratories that operate on a daily basis, have their own field stations to perform research, and get a clear understanding of marine ecosystems and oceanic life concepts. Scripps offers a multi-faceted view on oceanography, with students who lean into ecological protection allowed to select climate change oceanography as the preferred discipline. The establishment is located along the coast, which makes it an ideal object for coast studies. Scripps loves to invite scientists to help students do networking and participate in exchange programs abroad.

Rosenstiel School of Marine Science, the Miami University

The Rosenstiel School’s closeness to the Atlantic ocean makes it a perfect choice for those who want to get a practical, hands-on experience when it comes to marine science and biology. Marine biology students at Rosenstiel will take advantage of the institution’s location along the Atlantic ocean as well as its diverse marine biology topics for coursework and state-of-the-art facilities that can’t be replicated in any other establishment of the world.
You will be provided access to coral reef ecology classes and marine conversion lectures, but not before exploring the Rosenstiel’s legendary lab department with a giant wave simulator and a mini hurricane simulator to give you an idea of what marine natural disasters look like from close distance. Students who make the biggest progress will be provided with internship opportunities and study-abroad scholarships to reward their efforts and enrich their knowledge. Also, regular trips to the Florida Keys and Hawaii make the Rosenstiel School one of the best marine biology colleges in the States.

Marine Program, Boston University

The Marine program at Boston University is unique as it combines the elements of field learning with more traditional lectures and classes. Students will be allowed to access the Boston Harbor and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for a more practical experience. They will be taught how to write a scientific research paper on marine conservation, ocean exploration, and marine policy. Moreover, each faculty has specific research-based options for students who want to cover one of the following marine coursework themes: vertebrates, invertebrates, and complex marine ecosystems (the coral reef system).
Boston University is one of the most acclaimed institutions for studying marine science as it provides regular trips to the New England Aquarium and has close ties with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The classes are incredibly small, with up to ten people in each class to ease the learning process for an average marine biology student. 

University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa allows an inspiring marine biologist to make the most out of their extraordinary location. The institution initiates fieldwork research along the Pacific coastal line, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a deep dive into tropical marine biology at its finest. If you are fond of the marine ecosystems thriving in tropical conditions, check out our free biology essay samples on tropical ecosystems to have an idea of the scope of research University of Hawaii is ready to deliver. Being close to the Pacific is not the only thing that makes the University of Hawaii and its marine department so appealing. 

The program available to both local and international students emphasizes the importance of safe deep-sea exploration and sustainable fishery tools and provides meaningful insights into coral reef ecology and marine conservation. Students can visit the coastal research stations provided by the university’s management to have hands-on experience in the field. UH Manoa goes out of its way to ensure marine biology students have the time of their lives and gain unparalleled experience as they participate in the study programs.

Marine Lab, Duke University

Duke’s Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Caroline, is one of the best marine biology colleges for students who prefer field-intensive research and are passionate about topics such as marine biodiversities, the challenges of sustaining contemporary fisheries, oceanic climate change, and coastal ecosystems. Duke University is conveniently located to deliver a first-class hands-on experience to students. The most famous student programs promoted at Marine Lab are coral reef dynamics, oceanic development change, and the concept of marine mammal behaviors.
Unlike online colleges that allow you to work without geographical restraints, marine biology students at Duke need to deliver in-depth fieldwork results to the instructors to secure international internships and study-abroad programs. Students are actively encouraged to conduct complex individual marine research for better grades and a chance to become a part of the international marine scientist communities around the world. 

College of the Atlantic 

College of the Atlantic is one of the smaller colleges for marine biology that allows you to do research paper writing on marine ecology studies and marine conservation. Like the Boston University marine program, the advanced marine program at the Atlantic features comparatively small classes and individualized learning based on the student’s academic pace and preferences. The college places huge emphasis on environmental activism and encourages student field research conducted along the Maine coast. The learners are provided with all the necessary facilities and enabled to support volunteer programs such as oceanic ecology practices and sustainable fishery projects.
College of the Atlantic allows interdisciplinary courses and enrolls students exploring the ethical and political side of marine activism and marine preservation. It also fosters a collaborative environment allowing students to work in pairs as they conduct complex lab-based experiments and are provided access to research vessels and the latest equipment. 

Conclusion

If you feel strongly about marine conservation and sustainable practices to keep our oceans and seas pristine, choosing a marine biology college is not an easy task. Each of these colleges offer unique opportunities for students who want to combine fieldwork experience with traditional classroom learning. However, there are some universal tips on how to select the best marine biology college and secure an academic future, such as choosing colleges located near the coastal areas (the proximity to the coastal line gives plenty of field trip opportunities) and applying to colleges that have advanced research labs and equipment available (think hurricane simulators, wave simulators, storm simulators, etc.). Whether you dream of exploring the coral reef or studying marine mammals, knowing which college is the best will help you get there in no time.