Q: How hard is it to become a marine biologist?

It is relatively hard to become a marine biologist. This also depends on the specific marine biology position you want to obtain. The bare minimum educational requirement for a job in marine biology is a bachelor's degree in the field.

Question 1

How hard is it to become a marine biologist?

Accepted Answer

It is relatively hard to become a marine biologist. This also depends on the specific marine biology position you want to obtain. The bare minimum educational requirement for a job in marine biology is a bachelor's degree in the field.

Question 2

What are careers in oceanography?

Accepted Answer

Marine biologists, ecologists, and physical oceanographers are all careers in oceanography.

Marine Biologist
Marine biologists are passionate about the environment and want to make a difference. Research projects are the main focus for a marine biologist. Their typical tasks include:
- Collecting specimens
- Compiling data
- Undertaking laboratory-based experiments
Key areas of research include migration patterns, underwater photosynthesis, and the impact of human activity on coral reefs. Marine biologists must be able to conduct successful research. To that end, they need to have the knowledge and skills to complete a literature review, plan research questions, and design research studies.
They must also be able to collect the data for their study, analyze it, and interpret it. A marine biologist must understand what their data shows and be able to explain it in a publication. A marine biologist's tools range from fishing nets and sonar to remotely operated vehicles.
Typical responsibilities include planning experiments and using tracking technology, recording and using specialist computer software to aid with interpreting data from biological processes, as well as writing research papers and reports.
Marine biologists need patience and determination along with excellent problem-solving skills, to find solutions to challenges. They often also need practical skills such as boat handling, scuba diving, and first aid knowledge. Extreme attention to detail along with team working and interpersonal skills, are also essential to ensuring success in the field.
Ecologist
Another career path in oceanography is being an ecologist. Ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their habitats. A marine ecologist studies marine life habitats, populations, and the interactions between organisms and the surrounding environment.
Ocean ecosystems are highly intricate, and there are many specializations and areas for an ecologist to study. A successful ecologist will work to examine entire communities of different species and the environments they live in and look to find the connections (or lack thereof).
They meld biology, ecology, fieldwork, and mathematical models to understand the ocean as a living system. An ecologist that chooses to study coastal ecosystems can help to provide important services such as protection from waves and storms and developing things like marine habitats for fish and nutrient cycling.
In addition to research, ecologists can be involved in the protection of oceanic resources. For example, if an ecologist identifies an area in the ocean where life is rich and abundant, they can use that knowledge to work with government agencies and/or non-profit organizations to secure those resources.
This can apply to things like coral reefs, seamounts, and open-ocean habitats.
Oceanographer
Physical oceanographers study tides, currents, wind, waves, and other forces that cause the movement of the oceans. Using advances in satellite technology, they compile data and develop predictive models that explain weather patterns, climate change, global warming, and algal blooms.
The practical applications of this specialization can lead to weather-related oceanographer jobs with the U.S. military and government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Oceanographers employed as data analysts with the U.S. Geological Survey evaluate the health of the ocean ecosystem and provide data to resource managers and policymakers. Oceanographers can also work in the oil and petroleum industry, providing consultation on the location of rich mineral deposits and the risks of drilling.
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical makeup of the ocean - a complex mixture of water, salt, elements, minerals, and gaseous and particulate matter. Manufacturing waste, agricultural runoff, oil spills, and seeping sewage can all find their way to the ocean.
Chemical oceanographer scientists and technologists analyze water quality by testing water temperature, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen levels; for instance, they often work for government agencies or technology solutions companies that collect and share water quality data that are used to inform public policy and develop less toxic processes.

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of being a marine biologist?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a marine biologist relate to diverse working environments, opportunities for positive environmental impact, and education requirements.

Here are the top pros and cons of being a marine biologist:

Question 4

What companies hire marine biologists?

Accepted Answer

Companies in the marine research, environmental consulting, and conservation industries hire marine biologists. These companies and organizations rely on marine biologists to conduct research, assess environmental impact, develop conservation strategies, and advocate for the protection of marine ecosystems. Top companies that hire marine biologists include:

Question 5

What degree do you need to be a marine biologist?

Accepted Answer

You need at least a bachelor's degree to be a marine biologist; however, many employers prefer applicants to have a master's degree specializing in marine biology and aquatic studies, and it is also becoming more common that employers want candidates to have a doctorate degree.

Question 6

What do marine biologists do on a typical day?

Accepted Answer

On a typical day, marine biologists may be doing any number of interesting and stimulating tasks. These include things like diving in oceans, lakes, rivers, and swamps, working on biological samples in a laboratory, entering marine information into a computer database, or writing up a research paper on their specific findings.

Question 7

What should I study to become a marine biologist?

Accepted Answer

You should study marine biology to become a marine biologist. This also depends on the specific marine biology position you want to obtain and the majors that are available to you. The bare minimum educational requirement for a job in marine biology is a bachelor's degree.

Question 8

Where do marine biologists work?

Accepted Answer

Marine biologists work in state and federal government agencies, aquariums, and laboratories. Other places marine biologists work include zoological parks, educational institutions, museums, publications, environmental advocacy or conservation groups, and consulting companies.

Skills	Percentages
Ecology	27.98%
Data Analysis	14.42%
Water Quality	5.14%
GPS	4.97%
NOAA	4.75%

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