Marine science studies ocean and coastal animals, plants, and their relationships with the environment. Marine scientists need a bachelor’s degree in biology or related fields, a master’s degree, and often a Ph.D. to become distinguished researchers or teachers. High school students should take advanced math and science courses, and research potential faculties.
Marine science, or marine biology, is the branch of science that studies animals and plants that live in the ocean or along the coast, as well as their relationships with each other and with the environment. A scientist working in the field of marine science is called a marine scientist. Within the broad category of marine scientists can be found many subspecialties, such as oceanographer, marine biologist, oceanographic engineer and environmental scientist, among others. To become a marine scientist, a student generally must complete a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, as well as a master’s or doctoral degree.
The road to becoming a marine scientist really starts in high school for most people. Any science degree requires a rigorous program of study in math and science at the college level, making high school preparation important. A high school student should take as much math and science as possible while in high school, including advanced or higher level classes if offered.
Careful study of potential faculties is also important for anyone planning to become a marine scientist. Although employment as a marine scientist almost always requires a master’s degree or higher, some universities offer undergraduate degrees specifically in marine biology. Most marine scientist scientists earn a degree in biology or zoology if a degree in marine biology is not offered. In addition to researching the possible courses that an undergraduate school offers, internship opportunities and study abroad programs should also be explored at potential schools.
Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, the next step in becoming a marine scientist is to complete a master’s degree. Almost all jobs in the field of marine science require a minimum of completing a master’s degree. At the master’s level, the student should be able to earn a degree in marine biology specifically. While employment in the field of marine science is possible with a master’s degree, employment opportunities may be limited without additional education.
In most cases, anyone wanting to become a marine scientist will continue their education by completing a doctoral program in a specialized field of marine science. The field of marine science encompasses many sub-specialties that focus on animals, plants or the environment as a whole. As a rule, to become a distinguished researcher or to obtain a teaching job at a university, the completion of a Ph.D. a program within a specialty area is required.
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