Study the Animals, Chemistry, and Physics of the Ocean on a Campus Devoted to Marine Science

Did you know that more is known about the surface of the moon than what is known about the oceans' depths? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “more than 80% of our ocean is unmapped, unobserved and unexplored.” Nova Southeastern University’s Marine Biology program gives you the opportunity to learn more about the unexplored.

A B.S. in Marine Biology from NSU comes with many opportunities and experiences. NSU's Oceanographic Campus includes the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center and marina dedicated to the study of marine science. You can often see marine life from the windows of your classrooms! NSU’s location, at the edge of diverse marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, allows for faculty, researchers and students to engage in multidisciplinary research.

At NSU, you’ll learn from experienced professors and researchers at the forefront of their profession. You'll gain firm grounding in large ecosystems, laboratory techniques and ecology. Your electives will take you deeper into zoology, sharks and coral communities. The oceans and their inhabitants offer hope of new and great scientific discoveries in fields such as medicine, environmental restoration and protection and green technologies. With your bachelor’s in marine biology from NSU, you’ll be prepared to develop solutions to local and global issues. 

Why Should You Major in Marine Biology at NSU?

Pursue a Career Dedicated to the Marine Environment

With your marine biology degree you’ll be prepared for a number of career opportunities, including those in aquaria/husbandry, coastal development, ecotourism, education, environmental consulting, maritime law, journalism, marine engineering, pharmaceuticals, research, veterinary science, water management and more. With the selection of appropriate courses, a marine biology degree also opens possibilities for a career in the health professions. Many marine biology graduates choose to continue their studies in master's and doctoral programs in marine science, as well as medical, dental, veterinary, and other professional schools.  

Learn more about Career Preparation

Average Starting Salary

Salaries you can earn with a marine biology degree vary widely because of the many career offerings associated with this degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual salaries (in 2019) of some jobs associated with this degree include:

  • Hydrologists – $81,270
  • Geoscientists – $92,040
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists – $71,360
  • Veterinarians – $95,460

Shark Destinations

You’ll find NSU marine biology alumni at companies like Broward County Board of County Commissioners, PIKE Corporation, MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Zoo Miami. Additionally, many graduates choose to continue their studies at NSU in master’s programs such as the M.S. in Marine Science, which offers you the choice of three concentrations: Marine Biology, Coastal Zone Management and Marine Environmental Science. *

*Data provided by NSU’s Office of Career Development

During your undergraduate years, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real world experience through field or lab studies. These may include local and international opportunities to present your own research at conferences and hands-on experience in laboratories and in the field.  

Additionally, NSU marine biology majors have access to exclusive internships. Some of the organizations where students have previously interned at include Zoo Miami, Marine Environmental Center at the Carpenter House, Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Tampa Zoo, Ocean Mammal Institute, Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), Lubee Bat Conservancy, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and The Bill Fish Foundation.

The Clinic Exploration Program (CEP) offers students the opportunity to shadow medical professionals on the job in many of NSU’s medical and health clinics. Program participants gain a broad perspective that shows how various medical fields work together and a practical, up-close review of several medical career options.

All undergraduate students may take part in CEP, no matter what major they pursue. Each rotation lasts two hours per week, for three weeks. Because this is a volunteer program, member commitments are flexible and voluntary.

Who Can Participate

Any NSU undergraduate student in good standing who wants to participate in CEP must:

  • have a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • be registered for classes
  • complete OSHA and HIPAA trainings
  • be curious about various health professions
  • conform to scheduled assignments, dress codes, and other professional responsibilities

How to Enroll

  • complete the Clinic Exploration Program Application
  • schedule and complete OSHA blood-borne pathogen safety training
  • take HIPAA Privacy and Security training
  • turn in completed application to program coordinator in Parker building, suite 367
  • Students are offered the opportunity to participate in CEP each semester. Registration for the program is open during the previous semester.

Participating Clinics

  • Athletic Training
  • Audiology
  • Dentistry
  • Internal Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Learn More about Experiential Learning

Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.   

Dual Admission Programs

Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Marine Biology major, some sample courses that you could take include Everglades Ecology and Conservation, Natural History of South Florida, Ecology of the Galapagos Islands and Survey of Marine Mammals. Visit the B.S. in Marine Biology curriculum to view detailed course descriptions and plans of study. 

View Curriculum

Integrating minors across the arts and science curricula allows NSU Halmos College undergraduates to be creative and critical thinkers through their diverse learning experiences. You’ll gain fresh perspectives by thinking experientially as well as experimentally.