How long does it take to become a marine biologist?

What steps do I take in order to become a Marine Biologist?

• I am a Sophomore in high school this year, and I really want to go into the field of Marine Biology. The only problem is I have no idea what the best way to do this is. I go to a co-op school where I don't have a guidance counselor that I could ask. I've done some research online but it's kinda confusing. Is it true that in order to work in this field I have to have my PhD? What do I major in in college? I ready online that you don't want to major in Marine Biology. Can I get my masters degree in the United States and then transfer to a school in the UK to get my PhD (I read online that you can get a PhD in 3-4 years in the UK rather than 6 years in the US)? Any advice would be really helpful. I really have no idea what I'm doing or what to do once I get out of high school

• Answer:

  If you want to do research in the field, you'll need a PhD. If you want a job that doesn't involve research, you don't need one. But there aren't many jobs in the field at all, so a higher level degree helps. You'd major in biology in college if you want the PhD, and then apply to marine bio PhD programs. If you don't want the PhD, you can find a school that will let you major in marine bio instead. Not many UK schools offer marine bio, and it's not necessarily shorter to get a PhD - it's 3 years in the UK, but all that means is they cut off your funding after 3 years. Most people aren't done at that point. It might take longer in the US because we've got more requirements (which put you in a better position to get a job) but you can be funded (free graduate education) the whole way through the program.