by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Marine Science allows students to learn about the sea and its inhabitants. This interdisciplinary major includes classes in many different disciplines, all relating to the relationships between life on land and the ocean. The study of pollution is also an important part of this major.
Some of the courses you will take are physics, biology, geology, chemistry, botany, marine ecology, and oceanography. Marine Science will require mathematical work as you gather and analyze data to solve complex problems.
Studying Marine Science covers Marine Sciences. Continue reading for the important information every marine science student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering marine science programs.
Across the country, marine science is a popular field of study, with 482 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Marine Science Schools ranking analyzes these 33 schools to determine the best overall colleges for marine science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of marine science programs later in this article.
Programs in Marine Science emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations marine science graduates commonly enter.
This major is challenging, yet very rewarding. Students are required to participate in lectures and labs and complete reading and papers. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in lab as well as in the library reading scientific research. Part of this field will involve visiting the ocean to collect actual data and specimens. A passion for your subject will aid you as you confront unpredictable weather conditions and uncomfortable environments.
Develop your scientific mind by gathering and analyzing data. Work on both written and spoken communication skills in order to present your ideas clearly. Interpreting and analyzing peer research will also be important. Inter-personal skills will help you gain new perspectives and learn corporately.
Skills built by a marine science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a marine science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several marine science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 17 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 306 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 121 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 36 |
People currently working in careers related to marine science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 40.5% |
| Master’s degree | 29.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.0% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.3% |
| Some college courses | 2.2% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in marine science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A Marine Science degree will prepare you for an occupation in almost any marine occupation. You will be able to work as a researcher, an ecologist, an environmentalist scientist, or even a coast guard officer. Other career paths could involve marine engineering or zoology. Many graduates also continue their education to receive a Master's degree.
Studying marine science opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to marine science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to marine science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | 188,913 | 7.4% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Climate Change Policy Analysts | 173,597 | 7.1% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | 159,217 | -1.2% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of marine science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $27,992 |
| 4 years | $38,329 |
| 5 years | $48,064 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for marine science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers marine science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | $92,484 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $90,139 |
| Industrial Ecologists | $83,212 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $79,550 |
With 33 different marine science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased marine science school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in marine science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Marine Sciences | 482 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 30,141 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 28,033 |
| Data Analytics | 12,891 |
| MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | 10,355 |
| Data Science | 7,716 |
| International/Globalization Studies | 5,740 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 5,456 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 5,391 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4,374 |
| Cognitive Science | 3,121 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
