Whether students are just beginning their college journey or transferring from another institution, planning coursework is an important step toward earning a Marine Biology degree. Below are sample academic plans designed to help students visualize potential pathways through the major. These are reference guides only—individual plans may vary based on prior coursework, placement, and personal interests.
It is strongly recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to create a customized plan. Advisors can help interpret degree requirements, evaluate transfer credits, and align schedules with academic and career goals.
For the most current information on course offerings, major requirements, and elective options, students should visit the following pages:
4 Year Plan
Designed for students entering college without prior credit and who place into General Chemistry and Calculus I. This plan includes foundational STEM coursework, general education requirements, and marine science-specific classes spread across four years.
Year 1 |
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| Autumn | Cr | Winter | Cr | Spring | Cr |
| FISH/OCEAN/BIOL 250 | 5 | Q SCI 291/MATH 124 | 5 | Q SCI 292/MATH 125 | 5 |
| CHEM 142/120 | 5 | CHEM 152/OCEAN 295 | 5 | BIOL 180 | 5 |
| Gen Ed | 5 | Gen Ed | 5 | Gen Ed | 5 |
Year 2 |
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| OCEAN 210 | 4 | MARBIO 270/BIOL 220 | 5 | OCEAN 295 | 5 |
| BIOL 200 | 5 | MARBIO 305 | 3 | Q SCI 381 | 5 |
| Gen Ed | 5 | MB Elective (MARBIO 301) | 1 | Gen Ed | 5 |
| General Elective | 2 | General Elective | 5 | ||
Year 3 |
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| MB Elective | 5 | FISH 323 | 5 | OCEAN 330 | 5 |
| PHYS 114 | 4 | PHYS 115 | 4 | MARBIO 370 | 5 |
| Gen Ed | 5 | General Elective | 5 | Gen Ed | 5 |
| General Elective | 1 | ||||
Year 4 |
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| MB Elective | 5 | MB Elective | 5 | Spring Marine Studies | 6 |
| General Elective | 5 | General Elective | 5 | MB Elective | 5 |
| Gen Ed | 5 | Gen Ed | 5 | MB Elective | 5 |
2 Year Plan – All Foundation STEM Done but Stats
Tailored for transfer students or those who have already completed most foundational STEM courses. This plan focuses on upper-division marine biology courses and remaining degree requirements.
Year 1 |
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| Autumn | Cr | Winter | Cr | Spring | Cr |
| FISH/OCEAN/BIOL 250 | 5 | MARBIO 305 | 3 | OCEAN 210 | 4 |
| Q SCI 381 | 5 | FISH 323 | 5 | MARBIO/FISH/OCEAN 370 | 5 |
| MB Elective | 5 | ||||
Year 2 |
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| Autumn Marine Studies | 6 | MB Elective | 5 | OCEAN 330 | 5 |
| MB Elective | 5 | MB Elective | 5 | ||
| MB Elective | 5 |
3 Year Plan – All Gen Eds Done but need Major Requirements
Ideal for students who have completed general education requirements in the Arts & Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc), but still need to complete foundational math and science courses along with marine biology coursework.
Year 1 |
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| Autumn | Cr | Winter | Cr | Spring | Cr |
| FISH/OCEAN/BIOL 250 | 5 | MARBIO 305 | 3 | BIOL 180 | 5 |
| CHEM 120 | 5 | OCEAN 295/CHEM 220 | 5 | Q SCI 381 | 5 |
| Q SCI 291/MATH 124 | 5 | Q SCI 292/MATH 125 | 5 | ||
Year 2 |
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| OCEAN 210 | 4 | BIOL 220/MARBIO 270 | 5 | OCEAN 330 | 5 |
| BIOL 200 | 5 | FISH 323 | 5 | MARBIO/FISH/OCEAN 370 | 5 |
| MB Elective | 5 | MB Elective | 5 | MB Elective | 5 |
Year 3 |
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| IFE: MARBIO 488 | 6 | MB Elective | 5 | ||
| MB Elective | 5 | PHYS 115 | 4 | ||
| PHYS 114 | 4 |