Marine Biology involves the study of life processes of organisms inhabiting saltwater environments – from genetics and evolution to physiological traits and ecosystem functioning. Our students study the marine aspects of biodiversity, organismal processes, and ecology and ecosystems, and explore the conservation and management responses to ocean change. Graduates are well prepared for careers and graduate programs related to marine biology, biology, ecology, resource management, environmental consulting or environmental education in a range of settings.
Marine Biology Major Summary
- Students earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a Major in Marine Biology
- Students take core subjects related to Marine Ecology, Marine Physiology, Marine Evolutionary Biology, and Conservation and Management
- Advanced electives are selected from courses offered by the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, the School of Oceanography and Friday Harbor Laboratories
- All students complete an integrative field experience (research or field course) at Friday Harbor Labs or at a similar site
Requirements
Explore the full degree requirements, and explore the program’s list of approved electives.
Learning Goals
Requirements of the Marine Biology Major are structured around the following learning goals. They ensure our graduates develop critical content knowledge and skills for the field of marine biology.
Policies
Course Fees
UW Marine Biology attempts to provide immersive learning experiences in and out of the classroom that provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice skills in the context of content and concept learning, as well as to apply that learning to real world situations. In pursuit of those goals, UW Marine Biology defrays these expenses, and may charge course fees where appropriate. Please see the full document for details on how course fees are used to support these costs as well as how to request a refund when you drop a course.