WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... MARINE SCIENCE

ma·rine sci·ence The study of the ocean, its ecosystems, and life forms; also called oceanography.* *"marine science." Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon. Dictionary.com, LLC. 29 Jul science

Marine Science Majors Study The living resources of the world's oceans and coastal seas The diverse assemblages of plants and animals and the understanding of their relationships The evaluation of human influence on marine ecosystems...and more

Specializations Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level n marine scientist n environmental scientist n science lab technician Further Education Required n oceanographer n marine scientist n marine & coastal consultant n environmental engineer Most undergraduate programs offer a general course of study as well as many specializations that can be pursued with additional study. These include (but are not limited to):

Marine Science At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate Degrees Degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS) Majors: Marine Science Biological oceanography Chemical oceanography Physical oceanography Coastal resource management/marine affair The university also offers a Minor Marine Science

Marine Science At The University Of South Carolina Graduate Degrees Master of Sciences (MS) marine biology/biological oceanography marine chemistry/chemical oceanography marine geology/geological oceanography physical oceanography/atmospheric dynamics Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Marine Science Majors Develop Skills In Investigation –Define research problems –Develop research models –Establish hypothesis –Gather/analyze data –Evaluate ideas –See relationships among factors –Draw meaningful conclusions –Field sampling Communication –Develop/write research proposals –Review scientific literature –Summarize research findings –Inform, explain, instruct –Prepare technical reports

Marine Science majors develop skills in Computation –Measure distances/ sizes/relationships –Perform calculations –Mathematical modeling –Maintain records –Utilize math formulas Technical –Design equipment –Identify materials/ specimens –Observe data –Establish/control designs –Design computer simulations –Use technical instruments

Employment The undergraduate degree alone in marine science does not always directly lead to a career as a professional marine scientist. The degree does provide you with an excellent interdisciplinary science background and is valuable for almost any type of work involving both biological and marine science.

Employment Settings Business & Commerce: Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce Aquarium/Museum Worker Fisheries Conservationist Net Designer Park Manager Environmental Engineer Environmental Protection Worker Salt Marsh Manager Beach Manager Commercial Fishing Engineer Industrial Marine Economist

Employment Settings Outdoor Field Work: Includes both studying and working with and in the outdoors. Encompasses everything from management to urban planning.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Outdoor Field Work Agronomist Coastal Resources Worker Fisheries Conservationist Environmental Engineer Horticulturist Port/Harbor Facilities Worker Water Transportation Worker Zoologist Park Manager Wildlife Resource Worker Animal Scientist Aquatic Biologist Botanist Marina Worker Marine Biologist Marine Geologist Oceanographer Geographer Marine Ecologist

Employment Settings Research: Includes technicians, researchers, and technologists. Also incorporates laboratory work and the education of peers.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Research Aquarium Technician Biotechnologist Marine Bacteriologist Limnological Technician Marine Engineering Technician Genetic Engineering Research Assistant Underwater Technician Microbiologist Net Designer Test and Inspection Technician Water Quality Technician Science Laboratory Technician

Employment Settings Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education Administrator Admissions Evaluator Author/Writer Career Counselor College or University Professor Financial Aid Director Guidance Counselor Health Educator Lecturer Primary School Teacher Program Manager Residence Hall Director Secondary School Teacher Student Affairs Professional Text Writer Medical Librarian

Other Occupational Settings For Marine Science Majors Aquariums Research Foundations Ecotourism Firms Research Laboratories Educational Institutions Scientific Journals Environmental Consulting Firms Testing Labs Fisheries Zoos Pharmaceutical Companies Government Agencies

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Pursue an excellent academic record Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience Volunteer with service and counseling organizations Become fluent in a foreign language Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification in order to perform substantive counseling work Obtain a minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, education) Develop strong writing and speaking skills

Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures Acquire sales experience Become active in peer mediation groups if available Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups Obtain teaching certification Shadow the work of a professional

Books And Web Resources Books Marine Science Careers by Steve Adams and Tracey Crago Opportunities in Marine Science and Maritime Careers by Ray Heitzmann Web Resources Careers in Marine Science - career/career2.html career/career2.html National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) -

Resources For More Information USC’s Department of Marine Science Career Center library Marine Science Related Websites College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program

Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC Phone: (803) On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at