How long does it take to become a marine biologist?

How to become a marine biologist?

• i would love to become a marine biologist but i was wondering how long and wat courses i would need to take in college and on a side note how much does an average marine biologist make a year? thanks

• Answer:

  Pursue an undergraduate degree in biology, with emphasis on marine biology. Additionally, you will need to pay special attention to your math (through Calculus III), chemistry (through Organic III) and physics. The better you do and farther you get in HS the better off you will be. I'd suggest getting in some good volunteer experience while you are in school. You will be hauling fish guts, cleaning up fish guts and gutting fish for quite a while! You will spend long hours behind a computer, analyzing data, compiling reports, filling out applications for grants and permits. You will then need to go to graduate school. Depending on exactly what you want to do, either your MS or your PhD. That is where you will focus your training/education on the area in which you want to work. Don't expect a big paycheck. Most of the sciences rely heavily on grant money, leaving little for salaries. A general expectation should be around $40,000. A generous expectation could be upwards of $60,000+. It will really depend on what you are doing, who you are working for (and where they get their money), whether you pursue your PhD and then seek tenure. I work primarily on dolphin bio-acoustics and a lot of my days are spent out on the boat. You are sunburned, sometimes soggy, tired and covered in salt. Its the best job in the world and I wouldn't trade it for anything. If you love marine life and are passionate about the oceans, it can be very rewarding. Just know it isn't as glamorous as it sometimes seems and you will most likely never be rich. Best of luck in your studies.