A marine science degree offers a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates from the marine science program at EckerdCollege have been successful in gaining admission to graduate schools and in obtaining interesting and fulfilling jobs. Our graduates have been able to secure jobs in research laboratories, government agencies, private consulting firms, industry, public aquaria, and educational institutions from secondary to collegiate levels.

Some careers may be entered with a B.S. degree and enhanced by an internship experience. Some careers require graduate study in an area of specialization. Listed below are careers in marine science that exist for different experience levels and abilities. Salaries and degree of responsibility typically increase with increased training, experience, and education. Here are some examples:

With a B.S. Marine Science:

• Laboratory Research Technician or Research Assistant
• Park Naturalist or Park Ranger
• Secondary School Teacher or Teaching Assistant
• Field Crew Member or Field Research Technician
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Aquarium Technician
• Aquaculture Technician
• Environmental Consultant
• Wildlife Specialist
• Outreach Educator
• Marine Mammal Trainer
• Artist (e.g. animal sculpture, paintings)
• Marine Patrol, Law Enforcement
• Industry (e.g. oil companies)

With a M.S. (Master of Science):

• Research Assistant
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Planner or Land Use Manager
• Environmental Analyst
• Natural Resource Manager
• Laboratory Manager or Research Coordinator
• Field Biologist/Geologist
• Lecturer
• Professor at some two-year colleges
• Scientific Writer
• Scientific Illustrator
• Industry (e.g. petroleum exploration)

With Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.):

• Post Doctoral Associate
• College or University Professor
• Lecturer
• Senior Environmental Consultant
• Research Administrator
• Research Associate/Scientist
• Natural Resource Manager or Director
• Museum Curator
• Superintendent of Public Schools
• Director of Curriculum and Instruction
• Scientific Journal Editor
• Industry (e.g. Research Scientist)

For more information on careers in marine science, please see the following resources:

American Society of Limnology and Oceanography and Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence provide general information on careers in the Aquatic Sciences, including employment opportunities, earnings, job outlook, and working conditions.

Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, provides a list of web resources on careers in oceanography, marine science, and marine biology.

Office of Naval Research provides general information on oceanography careers