Marine Biology, Biology, or Environmental Science.

[warblersrule]

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@Moominmama58

I have a son who currently is looking at the field of sustainable aquaculture (fisheries or algae) and trying to decide on a college. His current favorites are MIT, Cornell and Brown. Would it be better for his future job prospects in that area to do an undergraduate degree in engineering (and what sort of engineering) than a degree in biology/marine biology? I think he plans on a MBA after his science or engineering degree.

If he’s interested in sustainable aquaculture, I think he’d do well with a BS in environmental science or fisheries management. Several coastal universities like UNH and U Washington have programs in the latter. </p>

<p>Given his interests and post-graduate plans, I think that would pair quite nicely with a second major in business. </p>

<p>I don’t think an undergraduate degree in engineering would be a marked improvement, although his chances of employment might be a bit better if he decides he’s not all that interested in aquaculture after all. There’s some very interesting research going on with biomimicry, however – for example, a team from MIT has examined tuna and penguins in an effort to make boats more efficient. </p>

<p>[MIT</a> ‘Penguin Boat’ Takes Maiden Voyage Down Charles River - MIT News Office](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/1997/penguin.html]MIT”>MIT 'Penguin Boat' Takes Maiden Voyage Down Charles River | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology)</p>

<p>On a final note, I can’t speak highly enough of the program at Duke (and UNC). There is no place better for an undergraduate to study environmental science and policy, especially with a marine bent. Here’s one of my past posts about the relevant programs:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/15303775-post2.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/15303775-post2.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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@AsleepAtTheWheel

Do you have any firsthand knowledge of the Miami program?

I know of Rosenstiel primarily through reputation, as I ultimately decided against applying (for reasons that had nothing to do with academics). I personally believe it to be the best undergraduate program in the country. Unusually, it’s strong in all four subfields of oceanography (biological, chemical, geological, and physical), and recently it’s been attempting to branch out into marine policy and underwater archaeology as well. Its research opportunities are amazing, as is its location. In short, it’s a great place to be. </p>

<p>You should post a query on the Miami board for more info…I know SVMmom has/had a daughter in the program there, and I’ve seen others in the program over the years. They’d have more firsthand experience than I do.</p>