Department of Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Physics
Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences represents the wide variety of ecosystems that are linked through water. Study in this field encompasses freshwater lakes and streams, estuaries and coastal marine habitats that are critical for numerous plants and animals, but can be compromised by human activities. Students who pursue this major are interested in understanding the relationships among plants, animals and humans while learning how to protect and restore these necessary ecosystems.
The interdisciplinary Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences programs emphasize the four core sciences: biology, geology, chemistry and physics.
The program was originally called Aquatic and Coastal Sciences. It's a fairly new program only started by one professor in the 2000s. That being said if you don't align with the professor's research studies, you would have a harder time doing the program. Let's just say our whole curriculum only had a couple mandatory biology and marine biology course, mostly... The program was originally called Aquatic and Coastal Sciences. It's a fairly new program only started by one professor in the 2000s.
That being said if you don't align with the professor's research studies, you would have a harder time doing the program. Let's just say our whole curriculum only had a couple mandatory biology and marine biology course, mostly environmental science courses. Even the marine biology courses, it was mainly focus on the different overall water ecosystems, not even going that specific in any marine life. It definitely changes your perspective and outlook on what you want to do in the future! It allows you more options when you are looking for jobs. From my point of view, it seems that the whole university is concentrating more on building up its environmental science programs than it is marine biology. Now, it's slowly gaining momentum by having more people applying and one more professor joining the program!
In conclusion, I guess the reason why the program is not as "on par" as other programs is b/c the university in not near a huge body of water and the job market up here in the Northeast is either geared towards science education or environmental consultancy. In all, if you are the person that thinks with a bigger picture in mind and would like to dabble into other disciplines then this school can be for you!
This master’s degree prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues from local to global scales and is for those seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet. Financial assistance available.
Prepare to lead the management of natural resources and keep up with rapid changes in applications and methodology by earning an Ecosystem Management degree or certificate online through Penn State World Campus.
Earn a degree that prepares you for a career preserving and managing natural resources as a wildlife biologist. Learn more!