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First, some facts. Of the Marine Biology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 112 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Marine Biology graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 41% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Marine Biology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 71% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Marine Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLead Server Block 15 Brewing Company Jun 2021 - Apr 2023 Student Researcher, Benthic Ecology Lab  Oregon State University Jun 2021 - Jan 2022 Volunteer Field Technician, Plankton Ecology Lab Oregon State University Jul 2021 - Aug 2022 Volunteer Field Technician, Benthic Ecology Lab Oregon State University Jan 2022 - Nov 2022 Biological Research Technician Oregon State University Aug 2022 - Jun 2023 Biological Science Research Technican II Oregon State University May 2023 - Present ABOUTI am a driven lifelong learner who wants to take my passion for the ocean and its ecosystems and share it with all those who are curious to learn more. Most of my previous work has focused on the trophic dynamics of several forage fish and salmonid species of the Northern California current ecosystem. My work has allowed me to gather data on prey and predator interactions that are both important to assessing the relative health of a population. After completing my current assignment with the Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project, I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in marine ecology and am open to discussing opportunities for graduate assistantships. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After diving into the diverse career paths taken by individuals with a degree in Marine Biology, it's clear that there are some common themes when it comes to job types. Many graduates found roles that directly relate to marine ecosystems and conservation, such as researchers, marine biologists, aquarists, and naturalists. These roles utilize the specialized skills and knowledge acquired during their studies, allowing them to engage actively with marine life and contribute to environmental initiatives or research projects.
However, not all jobs held by Marine Biology graduates were directly relevant to their field of study. A significant number of individuals found positions in industries that don't rely particularly on marine biology expertise, such as administrative roles, customer service positions, and jobs in unrelated sectors like finance or education. While some of these positions may have involved transferable skills, the direct application of marine biology knowledge was often lacking. This disparity suggests that the job market for Marine Biology graduates can be quite competitive and may lead them to explore various avenues outside their specialization.
In summary, while many Marine Biology graduates successfully find fulfilling roles directly tied to their studies, a notable portion of them also end up in positions that don't utilize their specialized knowledge. This indicates a diverse landscape where potential job opportunities can vary significantly in relevance to their Marine Biology degree. For students aspiring to work specifically within their field, focusing on internships and relevant experiences during their studies could be key to landing those desired positions in marine ecosystems and conservation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Marine Biology graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of marine biology graduates from various universities, it's pretty clear that the journey can vary quite significantly. Right after graduation, many of these folks often land entry-level positions that are related to their field, like biologist aides, aquarium interns, or research assistants. For instance, graduates from schools like Troy University and Texas A&M took on roles like Biologist Aide and Wastewater Operator. These early roles tend to offer solid experience in the marine biology realm, which seems essential for career growth within that niche.
However, as we fast forward 5 or even 10 years down the line, the relevancy to marine biology starts to dwindle for some. While quite a few have indeed advanced their careers into significant roles directly related to marine biology — like fisheries biologists, aquarists, and laboratory managers — there are also those who have drifted into unrelated fields. It's not uncommon to see marine biology grads working as teachers, project managers, or even in corporate roles that seem to have little to do with ocean life. A prime example would be the University of Oregon graduate who is now a Senior Success Coach at Boise State University. This divergence signals that while marine biology is a passion for some, it doesn't always lead to continued work in that sector, and many feel the need to branch out into broader job markets.
In terms of job security and relevance, graduates who have managed to stay within the marine biology field often report thriving careers. Positions that stay connected to marine conservation, research, or ecological education seem to provide a sustainable trajectory. Interestingly, some recent graduates have opted to continue their education or pursue roles in broader ecological and environmental science sectors, highlighting a growing trend of expanding qualifications beyond just marine biology.
In conclusion, while many marine biology graduates start strong with relevant positions, the longevity in those careers can be hit or miss. Some flourish, building substantial expertise and establishing themselves in desired fields, while others may pivot to entirely different careers that, although successful, stray from their original passion. This mix showcases the diverse paths one can take post-graduation, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities that come from pursuing a degree in marine biology.
A Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. On one hand, it's not the easiest degree out there since it involves a lot of science, including biology, chemistry, and sometimes even physics, plus fieldwork that can be physically demanding. You'll also have to get comfortable with data analysis and various research methods, which can be challenging if you’re not into that sort of thing. On the flip side, if you’re really passionate about marine life and enjoy hands-on experiences, you might find it more enjoyable than other degrees. Overall, it's probably about average in terms of difficulty—still requires effort and dedication but can be super rewarding if you're into it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Marine Biology.
So, looking at the job histories of these Marine Biology graduates, it seems like there's a pretty mixed bag when it comes to their earnings. Some of the folks, especially those in more advanced roles or at reputable organizations like the NOAA or various aquariums, probably aren't doing too shabby in terms of salary. For example, graduates who have made their way into roles like Senior Aquarist or Research Associate at established institutions likely enjoy a decent income, especially as they gain experience. On the flip side, many others started in more entry-level or temporary positions, like interns or assistant roles, which usually don't pay nearly as well. Jobs like 'Biologist Aide', 'Educator', and various technician roles might not bring in the big bucks, especially for someone just starting out.
Overall, it really depends on the specific paths these individuals have taken in their careers. Some appear to have transitioned into roles that are more lucrative over time, while others might be stuck in positions that don’t pay a lot, especially early on after graduation. If you're considering a career in marine biology, it's worth knowing that while it's a field driven by passion, the financial rewards can vary significantly based on the specific jobs and levels of responsibility you're aiming for!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Marine Biology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Marine Biology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Marine Biology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Santa Cruz
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65 | 12 |