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First, some facts. Of the Marine Sciences 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 115 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Marine Sciences 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, 37% 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 Sciences graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from University of South Carolina-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marine Sciences. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Scientist Frontage Laboratories, Inc Dec 2016 - Jul 2019 Associate Scientist West Pharmaceutical Services Jul 2019 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who graduated with a degree in Marine Sciences, it's no surprise that many of them ended up in roles that align closely with their field of study. A significant number of graduates found jobs as Fisheries Observers, Marine Mammal Observers, and various research positions, such as Research Assistants and Graduate Research Fellows. These roles often involve data collection and analysis related to marine ecosystems, fish populations, and marine mammal conservations, showcasing a direct application of their academic training. It's clear that many graduates have not just found jobs; they’ve managed to secure positions that not only leverage their education but also contribute to the understanding and preservation of marine environments.
However, not all their job experiences are strictly marine-related. Many graduates have taken on roles that divert from their core studies, such as retail positions, teaching positions unrelated to marine sciences, and various roles in management or consulting that have minimal connections to marine biology or ecology. For instance, jobs in industries like hospitality, general animal care, or sales don't utilize their specialist knowledge directly and can often leave them feeling underutilized in terms of their education. Despite this, many have found ways to incorporate their backgrounds into these roles, emphasizing their overall understanding of ecosystems and problem-solving skills gained through their Marine Sciences studies.
Overall, while the most common jobs among Marine Sciences graduates are directly related to their studies, there are also a plethora of roles that, while not directly relevant, do allow for some transferable skills to come into play. These paths can lead to diverse experiences, but it's evident that those who stick to marine-focused careers tend to find greater job satisfaction and relevance in their day-to-day work. Hence, while the correlation between their degree and job roles is strong in certain areas, the variability in career choices illustrates the breadth of opportunities available to those holding a Marine Sciences degree.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Marine Sciences graduates:
Based on the profiles of Marine Sciences graduates from various universities, it’s clear that their career trajectories can be quite diverse. For many, the first jobs post-graduation tend to be internships, entry-level positions, or roles that may not be directly related to Marine Sciences. For instance, the graduate from Stony Brook University who started as an Inventory Specialist at West Marine transitioned to a Fisheries Observer, which aligns more closely with their degree. This pattern shows that while some graduates aim for positions related directly to Marine Sciences right after graduation, others might take more varied roles initially as a means of getting their foot in the door.
As we look further out—five or ten years down the line—the careers of these graduates do start to align more with their Marine Sciences backgrounds. Many who started off in less relevant jobs seem to have transitioned into positions that utilize their degrees more effectively. Roles such as Research Scientists, Marine Biologists, and Environmental Scientists become increasingly common, especially for those who pursue further education, internships, or relevant work experience. For example, individuals from Coastal Carolina University often end up in different scientific positions related to marine ecosystems or wildlife conservation, illustrating a gradual shift toward careers that reflect their education. However, this is not universal. Some graduates remain in unrelated fields or seem to bounce between various roles without a clear, progressive path in Marine Sciences, such as those who went into teaching or retail. This indicates a degree of uncertainty in the job market for Marine Sciences graduates, where some may find it challenging to secure positions that match their educational background.
Overall, while many Marine Sciences graduates eventually find their way into relevant positions, the journey to get there varies greatly among individuals. The first few years seem to be a time of exploration and opportunistic job-seeking, which may not directly utilize their Marine Sciences training. However, persistence and a focus on gaining experience in marine-related roles often pay off within five to ten years as many carve out careers that are fulfilling and closely tied to their studies.
A Bachelor degree in Marine Sciences can be pretty challenging, but it's not insurmountable, especially if you have a passion for the ocean and its ecosystems. You'll dive into subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, which can get a bit technical, but if you're comfortable with science and have a curiosity about marine life, you'll likely find it engaging rather than overwhelming. The workload can be a mix of hands-on fieldwork and lab work alongside your lectures, so it’s more than just hitting the books. Overall, I'd say it's about average in difficulty — you’ll need to put in the effort, but if you're genuinely interested, it can be a rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Marine Sciences.
Looking at the jobs these Marine Sciences graduates have had, the earnings seem to vary quite a bit. For some, the early roles like "Inventory Specialist" or "Aquarist" might not stack up to high salaries at first, as these positions tend to start on the lower end of the pay scale. However, people like the graduate from Stockton University who is a "Research and Development Manager" or the one from Florida Gulf Coast University now working as a "Project Manager" seem to have transitioned into roles that typically come with better compensation. Overall, while some graduates appear to be starting with modest incomes, others are working their way up and potentially earning decent salaries as they gain experience in their fields.
On the whole, it looks like a mixed bag. A good portion of these graduates are still navigating their career paths and have taken on positions that might not pay super well right away. But there are certainly those who are stepping into more lucrative roles over time. So, while it might take a little time, it seems there's potential for decent earnings in marine sciences, especially if they stick with it and keep climbing the ladder!
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 Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Marine Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Marine Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Coastal Carolina University
|
62 | 21 |