Florida Institute of Technology
BS in Marine Biology
Melbourne, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 21,173 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: A BS in Marine Biology at Florida Institute of Technology covers marine ecology, oceanography, aquaculture, molecular biology and zoology with hands-on field and lab experience near the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean. Small classes, doctoral faculty, close advising (20–30 advisees), research collaborations, presentations and publications, and student groups like TriBeta support leadership and prepare students for graduate study or employment.
Career Outcomes: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported biological scientist jobs grew about 20% through 2018; marine roles show growth. Graduates may become marine biologists, research assistants, aquaculture technicians, environmental consultants, educators, or veterinary, conservation or policy professionals.
What is a BS in Marine Biology?
Whether you want to explore the mysteries of deep-sea organisms, discover marine animal interrelationships, or become a leader in marine veterinary science, you can reach your goals with a marine biology degree from Florida Tech. One of the first undergraduate marine biology programs in the country, Florida Tech is also one of the strongest.
Oceans cover over 70% of our world, yet scientists estimate that only a fraction of the oceans has been explored. Marine biology encompasses so much of the biology of these oceans and marine organisms, from viruses to whales, and from molecular biology to global warming. Studying for a marine biology degree can include a wide variety of other scientific disciplines, from aquaculture and oceanography to chemistry, meteorology, and zoology.
Gain Practical Experience
Established in 1971, the marine biology degree program is the most popular of the biological sciences programs at Florida Tech. This course of study is very hands-on, with small classes and intensive faculty-student interaction. As a student in the marine biology department, you can undertake exciting collaborative research with a peer or professor, or work independently on a topic of your choosing. Hands-on experience in the field is close by, as Florida Tech is strategically located near the estuarine habitats of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean marine ecosystems. As a result, students get practical experience, an enhanced job search portfolio, and a stronger sense of themselves as a scholar—the perfect preparation for graduate and professional school and employment.
A Strong Learning Relationship between Faculty and Students
All Florida Tech marine biology faculty members hold doctoral degrees in their fields. They teach all lectures and provide close supervision over graduate teaching assistants in the labs. Students benefit from small class sizes within a tight-knit community of scholars and learners in collaboration. In fact, Florida Tech is one of the most popular marine biology colleges because the faculty is so accessible.
For curriculum and career planning, students meet regularly with faculty advisors who typically have only 20 to 30 undergraduate advisees each, staying with them for all four years. Students have the opportunity, and are strongly encouraged, to volunteer in research labs where they work with faculty, graduate students, and fellow undergrads on research projects. Many students also present their research at regional and national professional meetings, and some students are published in research journals.
Build Lasting Professional Relationships through Campus Organizations
Beyond the classroom, marine biology majors build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships and participation in academic organizations like Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta, the biological sciences honor society), student government, and over 100 other student organizations.
TriBeta works to teach others the importance of studying biology. This active student organization holds regular field trips around Florida and puts on fun events such as BBQs and picnics to bring faculty and students from all departments together. It is the perfect way to network with other biological sciences students to learn about marine biology internships, research students, and hands-on activities.
Engage in Marine Biology Right from the Start
Our marine biology degree, a four-year program, engages first-year students in their major when they start their first semester. Introduction to Marine Biology, Biological Discovery 2, and General Chemistry kickstart your marine biology program. First-year students also jump right into the laboratory to delve into marine biology research. Guided by highly qualified faculty and members of the Marine Biological Society, students are immersed in their major immediately.
Curriculum
Candidates for the degree must successfully complete the following curriculum.
Freshman Year
Fall (16 credit hours)
- CHM 1101 General Chemistry 1
- COM 1101 Composition and Rhetoric
- FYE 1000 University Experience
- MAR 1010 Biological Discovery 1
- MAR 1030 Introduction to Biotechnology
- MTH 1001 Calculus 1 or MTH 1010 Honors Calculus 1
Spring (15 credit hours)
- CHM 1102 General Chemistry 2
- COM 1102 Writing About Literature
- MAR 1020 Biological Discovery 2
- MAR 1040 Introduction to Biodiversity and Physiology
- MTH 1002 Calculus 2 or MTH 1020 Honors Calculus 2
Sophomore Year
Fall (16 credit hours)
- CHM 2001 Organic Chemistry 1
- CHM 2011 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 1
- MAR 2110 General Genetics
- PHY 1001 Physics 1
Select the first HUM Core Course:
- HUM 2051 Civilization 1: Ancient Through Medieval
- HUM 2141 World Art History 1: Pre-History to Early Global Awareness
- HUM 2211 British Literature and Culture
- HUM 2212 British and American Literature 1
- HUM 2331 American History: Pre-Columbian to Civil War Era
- HUM 2551 Survey of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
Spring (16 credit hours)
- CHM 2002 Organic Chemistry 2
- CHM 2012 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
- MAR 2801 Biometry
- PHY 2002 Physics 2
Select the second HUM Core Course:
- HUM 2052 Civilization 2: Renaissance Through Modern
- HUM 2142 World Art History 2: Early Modern to Post-Colonial
- HUM 2212 British and American Literature 1
- HUM 2213 British and American Literature 2
- HUM 2332 American History: From Reconstruction to the Present
- HUM 2552 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Junior Year
Fall (15 credit hours)
- BIO 4010 Biochemistry 1
- MAR 3410 General Ecology
- MAR 3510 Invertebrate Zoology
- Social Science Elective Credit Hours: 3
Spring (17 credit hours)
- BIO 2010 Microbiology
- COM 2223 Scientific and Technical Communication
- MAR 4410 Community Ecology (Q)
- Humanities Elective (HU) 3000-level or higher recommended Credit Hours: 3
- Technical Elective Credit Hours: 3
Senior Year
Fall (17 credit hours)
- MAR 4550 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- MAR 4710 Marine Biology
- Free Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Liberal Arts Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Restricted Elective (BIO, CHM, ENS, OCN) Credit Hours: 3
Spring (17 credit hours)
- MAR 3701 Evolution
- MAR 4720 Marine Ecology (Q)
- Liberal Arts Elective Credit Hours: 3
- Restricted Electives (BIO, CHM, ENS, OCN) Credit Hours: 7
Total Credits Required: 129
Career Outlook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS), provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions, and job outlook, among other things. According to the Bureau, job growth for biological scientists is expected to grow more than 20% through 2018. Growth is also expected in careers for marine biology, but at a lower rate given its specialized field.