Marine Biology

Degree: BS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW212750467 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW212750467 BCX0">A marine biology degree can prepare you for a career as a scientist, biologist, or botanist studying aquatic plants and animals.</span></span>
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Three marine biology major students wearing blue protective gloves look to the front of the room as their professor explains the lab assignment

Study, analyze, research: that’s what we do.

A marine biology major option is for the student who is preparing to do graduate work in this area or seek full-time employment in national and state conservation and resource management agencies, park services, environmental consulting agencies, and zoological parks, among others. This option includes course work to be taken at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) or another comparable institution.

What You'll Do

The marine biology major's studies include rigorous coursework in marine biology, marine ecology, invertebrate zoology and animal biology. Core courses will prepare you for any area of biology.

  • Take at least one course at a marine laboratory such as the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
  • Immerse yourself in additional coursework in oceanography, physics, organic chemistry and calculus.
  • Learn at the Miller Reserve Wetlands Restoration project, the Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Reis Biological Research Station.
  • Receive guidance through the Biomedical Scholars Advising Program. Your advisor will meet with you every semester to help as you progress toward professional school.

What Can You Do with a Marine Biology Degree?

A school with a marine biology major in the Midwest? It does get attention. Southeast pairs its solid science reputation with unique learning opportunities at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory to ensure students are prepared for the career they dream of. And, our students have gotten the internships to prove it, including:

  • Missouri Department of Conservation 
  • St. Louis Zoo 
  • Sea World 
  • Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center 
  • Coastal Marine Education Research Academy 

Students also get the benefit of peer support from the Biology Club. Our faculty mentors provide guidance and research options as well as advising marine biology students in additional courses in plant biology or microbiology, aquatic ecology, management of wildlife populations, ichthyology, and conservation biology so their experience matches their career goals.

Graduate School and Employment Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • University of Southern Mississippi
  • University of Puerto Rico
  • Miami Seaquarium

Career Opportunities for Graduates

  • Aquarium Technician
  • Biological Oceanographer
  • Conservation Agent
  • Field Technician
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Marine Biologist
  • Marine Fisheries Biologist
  • Marine Mammal Trainer
  • Park Service Naturalist

Marine Biology (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Outcomes & Careers

  • $67k

    Wildlife Biologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $67,430.

  • $69k

    Conservation Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a conservation scientist is $69,810.

  • $69k

    Animal Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an animal scientist is $69,390.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

The marine biology curriculum includes coursework to prepare you for career paths in research, education, and public policy. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

What will it cost?

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Hands-on Learning

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through required 80 hours outside the classroom field experiences and internships.

Experiential Learning

Alumnus

"The most important thing I gained from this internship is confidence. I did so many things all on my own, and getting to work and live in South Africa alongside beautiful animals and brilliant people was a dream come true. Working with sharks has always been a dream of mine, so I cried when I found out I had been accepted."

Noah Carter

Biology major, Noah McCarter sits on a boat docked in Mossel Bay, South Africa.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Career Services

Happening in Biology

The Will to Do

Get a glimpse of classrooms, labs, and our talented students in the Department of Biology.
  • two biomedical sciences students completing a lab assignment together
  • Two biology students smile while looking in a microscope during a lab
  • A biology student sterilizes a tool in a biology lab
  • a biology student's gloved hands covered in dirt writes on plant markers during a lab
  • Biology students manage a bed of soil in the biology diversity greenhouse.

Additional Resources

Related Programs

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Biology
Contact Us
Phone
(573) 651-2170
Location
Office
Rhodes Hall 224
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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