SCHOOL OF STEAM
Marine Biology Concentration
Biology, B.S.
Introduction
Earn a Biology, B.S. with a Concentration in Marine Biology at Saint Francis University.
Within the Marine Biology degree concentration, students study many aspects of marine life—from plankton to whales and tropical corals to deep-sea crabs. Marine biologists investigate these animals from the molecular level through the entire ecosystem. A degree in marine biology shows students how to investigate the effects of human activity on oceans and develop conservation plans to protect marine life. Biology majors at SFU who have a passion to study the oceans’ biodiversity can pursue a Marine Biology Concentration as part of their degree path.
Study abroad and gain hands-on experience in marine biology
Earn a Biological Diving Minor to expand your skills
Pursue a challenging career in marine research, conservation, resource management, or marine policy
Experience a hands-on education in marine biology!
Take hands-on courses in marine biology, oceanography, invertebrate zoology, aquarium maintenance, field biology and unique scuba diving courses such as coral reef ecology and research diver methods. Plus, engage firsthand with oceanic ecosystems through class trips working alongside marine biology faculty.
The Marine Biology Concentration
(B.S. in Biology)
Broadly explore marine biology in your first two years and then spend the final two years preparing for a career as a field biologists, coral reef ecologist, fisheries biologist, aquaculturist, etc., or getting ready for graduate school.
Biology, B.S. with a concentration in Marine Biology
Plan of Study / Course Catalog - 24/25
Many students in the Marine Biology concentration add on additional specialization through a Biological Diving minor, a second concentration in Ecology & Environmental Biology, or double majoring in Biology and Aquarium and Zoo Sciences.
The SFU LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Marine Biology the Saint Francis Way
Currently, the oceans cover 71% of the world. Even so, scientists estimate that less than 5% of the oceans have been explored. Nevertheless, scientific exploration of our planet's oceans has revealed incredible marine biodiversity, along with a better understanding of the processes by which oceans shape global weather, food supplies and economies. Our Marine Biology programs help students explore these ecosystems and learn how climate change and other human activities threaten to permanently alter these fragile systems—and what we can do to help.
Marine-Related Student Opportunities
SCUBA: Students learn to scuba dive or continue to build diving skills while exploring the fascinating underwater world. Courses in SCUBA are offered in both fall and spring semesters. including groups trips to the Caribean each spring. Activities are sponsored by the Scuba Club throughout the year to keep divers actively involved in the sport. Students taking SCUBA courses can earn a Biological Diving Minor.
Field Biology Course: The BIOL 322 Field Biology course has allowed students to study biological systems around the world, including in Australia, the Galapagos and Belize. Students prepare with readings and assignments throughout the semester, and then travel to their destinations either during spring break or immediately following spring semester.
See more activities for Biology Majors.
The best way to explore what the student experience looks like is to schedule a visit.
We would love to meet you and discuss your career goals!
Biological Diving Minor
- This minor is highly recommended for Marine Biology students as well as Aquarium and Zoo Science students but is open to all majors.
- Combine your training in marine science and field biology with advanced study in SCUBA techniques.
- Learn to scuba dive by completing lectures, pool sessions, and open water training dives.
- Upon completion receive internationally-recognized certifications from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
Scuba Classes at SFU
Career Outlook in Marine Biology
What can you do with a Marine Biology degree? The Marine Biology concentration prepares students for careers as field biologists, coral reef ecologists, fisheries biologists, aquaculturists, and more, or to continue their studies in graduate-level programs. Marine Biologists find career opportunities in state and federal government agencies, private research laboratories, aquaria, zoos, museums and academia.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook for "life, physical and social science" occupations:
The U.S. BLS projects stable growth in life, physical, and social science occupations through 2030. Increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, psychology, and environmental protection, is projected to result in employment growth. The median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $69,760 in May 2020, which was higher than the median wage for all occupations of $41,950.
- Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists, $66K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, $73K
- Conservation Scientists and Foresters, $64K
- Biochemists and Biophysicists, $94K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, $92K
- Microbiologists, $84K
- Animal Care and Service Workers, $26K
- Postsecondary Teachers