What are the 10 best marine biology departments?

[warblersrule]

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My son definetly wants to be in a broader marine science program and not marine biology for his undergrad (good decision, I would say).

Maybe. Maybe not. I understand the appeal of jumping into relevant coursework, but I really can’t emphasize enough the importance of getting a broad grounding in all sciences and developing a firm grasp of one discipline in particular. I think marine science is perfectly legitimate as a track/concentration within a traditional science major or as a second major, but on its own, I am not convinced it is a good option. </p>

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Financially speaking, we can afford UAlabama and Jacksonville University (because of scholarships). JU has a Marine Science Research Institute (St. Johns River keeper) and UAlabama has Dauphin Island summer session. JU is a Marine Science program and UAlabama is a Geology/Marine Science program. I don’t know anything more about them.

Despite Jacksonville calling its program marine science, a quick glance at its faculty list and course offerings indicates a heavy emphasis on marine biology. I find its lack of a geology department very troubling and would not seriously consider it as an option. </p>

<p>Alabama has a more balanced program and a good geology department; it has also put forth a lot of effort recruiting top students and constructing new facilities. It would definitely be my pick.</p>

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We are going to explore UMiami (It is expensive though and a lot depends on what we get financially), we are also going to explore BU (again, we will need financial help there). Duke is also out there but that is a long shot (if at all). I know once my son is in a decent undergrad program, he can do well enough to join a great Masters program anywhere. For whatever reason, Univ of South Carolina has not clicked (and we have no clue why. Everything matched well and it almost looks like they missed looking at his credentials)

Duke is where I did my undergrad. I wrote a summary of the [EOS</a> program](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/11141140-post5.html]EOS”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/11141140-post5.html) elsewhere and would be more than happy to talk about that program, marine biology at Duke, or the marine lab via PM. </p>

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I know about Univ of Washington but they are not affordable unless you are from there. So, based on the fact that my son needs a broad-based Marine Science undergrad program, any suggestions would be appreciated. He is willing to work hard. All the schools people mentioned here are candidates for the Master program.

What type of terminal degree he’ll need depends on his interests. You can find a job with a MEM in coastal/ocean management or a MS in marine affairs/policy, but that’s a very different type of job than many marine scientists are looking for. A PhD is necessary for most field/research positions. The good news is that the job outlook for chemical/physical/geological oceanography is a lot better than it is for biological.</p>

<p>To be honest, if finances are a concern, your in-state public flagship may well be the best option. Most are large enough to offer courses touching on marine science, and there are plenty of ways to get involved in ocean or coastal research during the summer. </p>

<p>Of the PhD students I’ve met, I’d say at least half had little/no serious coursework in marine science prior to grad school, so don’t fret that it’s necessary for grad school admission. Heck, some came from fields like engineering, math, meteorology, and (believe it or not) public health.</p>