With a diverse coastal ecosystem, top-tier research institutions, and access to the Pacific Ocean, California remains one of the best places in the world to study marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and conservation sciences. Let's see which academic institutions offer the best marine biology programs.
| University | Location | Institution Type | Degree Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | San Diego, CA | Public | B.S., M.S., Ph.D. |
| University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | B.S. |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, CA | Public | B.S. |
| California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) | Long Beach, CA | Public | B.S. |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | M.S., Ph.D. |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | Seaside, CA | Public | B.S. |
| Humboldt State University | Arcata, CA | Public | B.S. |
Top Marine Biology Colleges in California
So, which colleges and schools in California offer the best hands-on research opportunities, cutting-edge coursework, and access to diverse marine ecosystems?
Here are the schools and colleges offering the best biology degrees, where they are, and other useful information for applicants.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
San Diego, CA
33,343
34%
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is one of the best-ranked public universities for marine biology in the United States.
Every aspiring marine biologist should consider its prestigious marine biology program, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is the cherry on top. Students have access to world-class research facilities and plenty of opportunities for coastal fieldwork along the Pacific Ocean.
Degree Programs at UCSD:
- B.S. in Marine Biology – Covers marine ecology, oceanography, and environmental conservation.
- M.S. & Ph.D. in Oceanography – Advanced studies in marine science, climate change, and ocean ecosystems.
What Makes UCSD Stand Out?
Introducing Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the reasons to consider the Marine Biology programs at San Diego.
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Santa Barbara, CA
23,091
29%
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has a strong emphasis on marine and aquatic science. The Marine Science Institute gives students access to world-class research facilities. UCSB is located right along the Pacific Ocean, where you want to be.
However, don't forget that the Pacific isn't the only body of water in the United States where you can study marine biology. There are plenty of great marine biology schools in Texas, too!
Degree Programs:
- B.S. in Aquatic Biology – Focuses on marine organisms, ecosystems, and environmental conservation.
- Marine Biology Emphasis – Available for students majoring in Biology or Environmental Science, with courses in marine ecology and oceanography.
What Makes UCSB Stand Out?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
31,636
11%
The highly regarded marine biology program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) combines classroom learning, laboratory research, and extensive fieldwork.
The Marine Biology Quarter (MBQ) is unique to UCLA. Students can spend an entire term conducting hands-on research in coastal and marine environments, similar to some of the schools for marine biology in Florida, but just on the other side of the country.
Degree Programs:
- B.S. in Marine Biology – Covers marine ecology, oceanography, and biological sciences, preparing students for graduate studies or careers in marine research.
What Makes UCLA Stand Out?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Long Beach, CA
32,931
47%
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is one of the more affordable public universities. Its strong marine biology program focuses on marine conservation, oceanography, and environmental science.
With hands-on learning experiences through coastal fieldwork, laboratory research, and partnerships with marine organizations, it's a choice worth considering for aspiring marine biologists, just like some of the top schools in Georgia for marine biology, which are often forgotten about.
Degree Programs
- B.S. in Marine Biology – A well-rounded program covering marine ecology, biological oceanography, and marine organism physiology.
What Makes CSULB Stand Out?
Other Notable Marine Biology Programs in California
While we wouldn't place them at the top of our list specifically for marine biologists, these schools are worth investigating.
Stanford University
This university is located in Stanford, California, and offers the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Marine Sciences. It includes one of the oldest marine research centers, but as we're only highlighting the graduate programs here, you may have to wait for this one when it comes to marine biology.
California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
California State University is located in Seaside, CA and offers a B.S. in Marine Science program that some potential students may be interested in applying to.
Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA, is another school with a noteworthy B.S. in Marine Biology program. This school focuses particularly on marine conservation.
Career Opportunities for Graduates with a Marine Biology Degree
Now that you've seen the schools you can choose from. Here's what you can do with your qualifications once you graduate. The main reason to study marine biology is to work in the field, focusing on research, communication, education, or environmental management. Graduates from California's top marine biology programs can find work in government agencies, private companies, nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions.
Here are just some of the jobs you could do:
- Marine Biologist – Studies ocean ecosystems, marine species, and conservation efforts.
- Fisheries Scientist – Works with government agencies and research institutions to manage sustainable fishing practices.
- Coastal Ecologist – Focuses on preserving and restoring coastal habitats.
- Marine Research Scientist – Conducts fieldwork and lab-based research on marine biodiversity, pollution, and climate change.
- Oceanographer – Specializes in biological, physical, chemical, or geological oceanography, studying ocean currents, chemistry, and ecosystems.
- Environmental Consultant – Advises companies and governments on marine conservation policies and sustainability initiatives.
- Marine Science Educator – Works in museums, aquariums, universities, or K-12 education to teach marine sciences.
Many will choose these careers because of their passion for marine biology, but we won't judge you for wanting to know how much you could earn. After all, you'll likely be choosing degree programs according to your interest, career options, employability, and earning potential.
Here are some average salaries for typical roles for marine biology graduates.
- Marine Biologist: $55,000 - $85,000 per year
- Fisheries Scientist: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Environmental Consultant: $50,000 - $90,000 per year
- Aquatic Veterinarian: $75,000 - $120,000 per year
- University Researcher/Professor: $70,000 - $130,000 per year
Choosing the right biology school will depend on several factors. Start with the schools mentioned here, look into the research opportunities, faculty expertise, and tuition costs, and consider your career goals.
If you need help improving your GPA, preparing for standardized tests, or doing better on biology tests to boost your chances of being accepted onto one of these programs, search for a biology tutor on Superprof today.
You can find tutors all over the country and around the world to help you, and with most offering the first session for free, you can try a few tutors before finding the one that's right for you.
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I’m interested in marine biology being able to swim in the ocean and do observationa
Hi Cynthia! If you’re interested in marine biology, feel free to contact a biology tutor on Superprof and they will be more than happy to assist you. 😊