Marine biology is often viewed through a lens of Hollywood glamour and tropical vacations. For many students, the dream involves swimming with dolphins, training whales, or living on a boat in the Caribbean. While these moments can happen, the professional reality is that marine biology is a rigorous, data-driven, and highly competitive scientific field. If you are sitting in a classroom wondering how to become a marine biologist, it is important to understand that the path is much broader and more analytical than it appears on television.
This guide is designed for high school and undergraduate students who want to turn their passion for the ocean into a viable career. Whether you are interested in deep-sea ecology, coral reef restoration, or fisheries management, the following steps will help you navigate the academic and professional waters ahead.
(If you are interested in becoming a shark researcher more broadly, check out our companion blog on that topic, which offers much of the same advice.)
The first thing to realise is that “Marine Biologist” is a catch-all term for many different types of scientists. You are rarely just a marine biologist; instead, you are a scientist who happens to work in the marine environment. When people ask how to become a marine biologist, they are often surprised to learn that they should first pick a scientific speciality. These specialities include:
Your speciality is your actual toolkit. The ocean is simply the place where you use those tools. This means you do not need to attend a university that has a “Marine Biology” major to succeed. In fact, getting a degree in a foundational science like biology, chemistry, or ecology can often make you a more flexible and competitive candidate in the long run.
If you are serious about how to become a marine biologist, your preparation starts in high school. You should focus heavily on the “STEM” subjects. This includes biology, chemistry, physics, and as much math as you can handle. Environmental science and computer science are also increasingly important. Strong writing skills are equally vital, as professional biologists spend a significant portion of their time writing research papers, grant proposals, and policy reports.
Once you reach university, choose a major that provides a solid scientific foundation. While many schools offer marine biology degrees, a general biology or ecology degree is often just as valuable, provided you take ocean-related electives. Key courses that will set you apart include:
Modern marine biology happens at a computer almost as often as it happens in the water. Being able to code and analyse complex datasets is what truly defines the modern professional.
A common mistake students make when researching how to become a marine biologist is focusing too much on a specific animal. You may love sea turtles, but spending four years only learning about sea turtles limits your career options. Instead, focus on learning techniques. If you learn how to analyse DNA, you can work with turtles, sharks, whales, or even deep-sea tubeworms. If you learn how to use acoustic telemetry, you can track the movements of almost any marine animal. By focusing on transferable skills, you ensure that you remain employable regardless of which species are currently receiving research funding.
Experience is the currency of the scientific world. You do not necessarily need to be on a research vessel to gain relevant experience. You can volunteer at a local aquarium, work in a chemistry lab on campus, or assist a professor with data entry. Any role that teaches you about the scientific method, data integrity, or lab safety is a step forward. Internships and summer field courses are also excellent ways to build your network and see what the day-to-day life of a researcher actually looks like.
For most people, the answer to how to become a marine biologist involves attending graduate school. While you can find entry-level technician roles with a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree or a PhD is usually required for high-level research, teaching, or management positions. Graduate school is where you finally specialise and conduct your own original research. When choosing a graduate programme, the specific professor you work with (your advisor) is far more important than the name of the university. You want an advisor who is active in their field, has a good track record of publishing, and treats their students as colleagues.
It is a common misconception that every marine biologist works in a lab or a university. In reality, the skills you gain while learning how to become a marine biologist are applicable to dozens of different industries. You could work for the government in fisheries management, for a non-profit organisation in conservation advocacy, or for a private environmental consulting firm. There are also vital roles in science communication, underwater filmmaking, and marine policy. The world needs people who understand the ocean in every sector of society, not just in academia.
The path to a career in marine science is a marathon, not a sprint. Do not be discouraged if you are not working with your favourite animal right away. Focus on becoming the best scientist you can be, develop your analytical skills, and stay curious about the natural world. Knowing how to become a marine biologist is really about knowing how to be a dedicated, meticulous, and passionate observer of life. If you put in the work to build a strong scientific foundation, the ocean will eventually open its doors to you.
Many students imagine the daily life of a shark scientist as tagging Great Whites every afternoon, diving constantly in crystal clear water, or travelling to exotic locations. While those experiences can certainly be part of the career, the real path regarding how to become a shark researcher is much broader, more analytical, and more flexible than most people realise.
From newly discovered species to advanced genetic analyses and surprising behavior check out these 14 Groundbreaking 2025 Shark Discoveries
This Shark Week, take your fascination even deeper. While millions tune in to Discovery Channel for thrilling footage of the ocean’s top predators, we’re celebrating
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