Marine Biology Majors

[m0nk]

Well, this is going to be an interesting first thread of mine in "The Aquarium". A little background: I never went to college when I had the chance and I tried to go to community college about 5 years ago but only managed to get through a semester before funds ran out; I wasn't declared in any major but took physical science and math courses, as well as a couple other general studies items that are required credits for any major. So here I am, 29 years old and a single father, and I've decided to make it a priority to finally get a degree. I've always been a scientist at heart, excelling in chemistry, math, research in general, computers (I currently work as a database programmer and I HATE it). The past 6 months I've been working on the decision to go into biology and either try to achieve a bachelors quickly and a teaching certificate to teach HS level biology until I can get a masters, or just go full on with a Marine Biology transfer; finishing the first 2 years worth of credits at the community college and go to Millersville University (about an hour from here) and get a bachelors there since they have an actual Marine Biology program, then try to get a good job where I can get financial help for the masters, and so on. I've settled on the later as of today and I go back for just one class this semester, starting next week, but will go for likely 8-10 credits next spring.
Anyway, so here's the reason for the post: I'm looking for a little help. Are there any Marine Biology majors out there that can suggest any grants or scholarships for the field that I could apply for? As noted above, I'm a single parent and this is a bit of a career change. I don't make a lot of money to spend on school (or in general) but I'm certainly going to make this a priority since I don't want to regret missing out on the chance.
I'm also looking for some encouragement. Being 29 I partly worry that it'll take until I reach 40 just to get the bachelors, so I'm hoping that someone can tell me that they've seen 40 year old graduates get jobs at aquariums or marine research centers, or something like that. I don't want to worry about ending up working in a LFS just because most employers want a 25 year old post-grad student to do intern-level work, etc, etc (not that I'm knocking working in a LFS).
I also think this will be a great opportunity for my son, since wherever I end up working it will hopefully be near the ocean, or at an aquarium, which no matter what my son will love, since he loves everything relating to the sea....haha.
Anyways, I'm done rambling, I'd like to here some advice, encouragement, and stories if anyone has any!

 

[califishdude]

I looked into Marine Bio but with my back from paratrooping really killed it. I went into Medical field and i just recieved my Masters in Social Work. I live in Northern Cali and the school was excellant and sent a lot of students throught out the states. The gave certian scholarships and grants for the students with a high grade point average. I would look up a site to find which schools in PA. has Marine Bio degress and research from there. I know that Seaworld in Cali give certian scholarships once a year. Im thinking this is more of a intern positions until the right job comes up.

 

[ophiura]

OK, I'm going to be mean...but this is a reality check, with some experience behind it.
What do you hope to do with a marine biology degree? There are A LOT of marine biologists out there - and lots of unemployed PhDs as well. So you REALLY have to sit down and think why you want to do this and are you really ready to take a risk in a field that is not a sure thing.
As a general rule, I found that marine biology majors are NOT desired in the aquarium industry. There is no comparison there between marine biology and that industry, and many did not care for the attitude characteristic of many marine biologists. Plus, I don't know how much you intend to make in that particular industry, but it is not high paying.
OK - there is tough love, and frankly I have a lot more. There are a lot of people who want to be marine biologists, and I would really really really have a serious game plan and make lots of contacts getting into this. I would also suggest a more useful degree than "marine biology" which is incredibly broad. Fisheries biology, for example, may be a better option.

 

[ophiura]

Some references:
The first is tough love (but true life

):
http://www.lovelab.id.ucsb.edu/biologist.html
Good advice:
http://www.marinecareers.net/field_marinebiology.php
http://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx...arentMenuId=33

 

[califishdude]

Originally Posted by ophiura
OK, I'm going to be mean...but this is a reality check, with some experience behind it.
What do you hope to do with a marine biology degree? There are A LOT of marine biologists out there - and lots of unemployed PhDs as well. So you REALLY have to sit down and think why you want to do this and are you really ready to take a risk in a field that is not a sure thing.
As a general rule, I found that marine biology majors are NOT desired in the aquarium industry. There is no comparison there between marine biology and that industry, and many did not care for the attitude characteristic of many marine biologists. Plus, I don't know how much you intend to make in that particular industry, but it is not high paying.
OK - there is tough love, and frankly I have a lot more. There are a lot of people who want to be marine biologists, and I would really really really have a serious game plan and make lots of contacts getting into this. I would also suggest a more useful degree than "marine biology" which is incredibly broad. Fisheries biology, for example, may be a better option.

Good point and Direct also. I watch a series on Marine systems where a majority had Phd but also volunterred because they couldn't find a job i presumed.

 

[teen]

i was a marine biology major, but decided to switch to general studies until im sure thats what i really want to do.
i figure ill get all the required courses out of the way at community college, and when i go onto another college, i can always pick the MB back up.
honestly, if your good with science and what not, get a degree in education, with an emphasis in biology. teaching would be your best option imo, and has the most potential as well. you have the chance to make better than the average U.S. salary, and schools are always looking for science/ math teachers.

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by califishdude
Good point and Direct also. I watch a series on Marine systems where a majority had Phd but also volunterred because they couldn't find a job i presumed.

Tell you this - I did my research in marine invertebrate zoology at the US National Museum of Natural History (aka "the Smithsonian") and I came very close to working at the gift shop. There was, in fact, a PhD in invert zoo working at the gift shop. I worked in hospitality and ground transportation instead during that time.
Then I worked at an LFS.
Then I worked in a semi-'public' aquarium as an aquarist and was lucky because they really didn't think much of marine biologists.
Now I work in a totally unrelated field.
But I enjoyed following my passion while I could, yes...but then the bills need to be paid.
My suggestion is fisheries/aquaculture or marine biotechnology for any shot, personally. But even then...
If it is your dream, follow it, but know the limitations

 

[ophiura]

(hmmm...weird double post....now edited....)
As for support on a Master's, look for a program that requires student teaching as many cover cost for tuition, and give you a stipend as well.

 

[jerthunter]

I would stay away from marine biology. I base this on what I have read and heard from friends in the marine bio field. I think getting a general bio degree would be much more useful and you can still take marine bio classes if that is what interests you.
As far as financial help, look into the SMART grant, I believe it is for 3rd and 4th year undergrad students in a science or math field.
As far as age, don't worry about it. It is never too late to make a good decision. I wasted six years but now I'm nearly done with my degree. I say go for it.

 

[m0nk]

Wow, this is great, keep the information flowing. This is what I'm after, good first hand accounts that will help me determine the best direction to head.... and it certainly seems like everyone thinks it's good to head in the opposite direction from the general marine biology fields....haha.
Ophiura, I really appreciate those links, and contain info I have certainly been considering. The "tough love" one was especially well to the point and definitely some points I've thought about too. I don't want to study marine mammals (or talk to them), I don't remember actually ever seeing any Jacques Cousteau documentaries, and I don't make big bucks now so it's not really something I'm after. I actually hate what I do now and want to do something that would make me either a little happier or that would benefit others in a positive way (can't really help others by programming yet another data extract). Although I can currently dress however I want....
So, I've certainly thought about what I want to do with whatever degree I get. I do want to help others, the planet, the oceans, something or someone in some way yet I've always been a "researcher" and "explorer". I've always loved lab work (one of my various jobs was as a winemaker, spent the whole day in the lab) but would really like to be "out there" sometimes too, so that's certainly the majority of why I thought about marine biology (generalizing), perhaps doing conservation, zoology, molecular biology (although I don't know if I have the patience for that one), or even marine biotechnology. Several times in the past I've considered going into medical research but with the way drug companies have a grip on "everything" it kinda freaks me out, so that's probably not the one. I'm a fairly good chemist though.

I could certainly teach (my father teaches computer science at college level, finally got his phD between 45 and 50), but I don't really want a degree in education because it's not really what I want to do forever. If I were to get a general biology degree can I get "certified" to teach without actually having a degree in education, or perhaps have education as a minor? Then I could refine what I want in a post-grad education and career moving forward...

 

[jerthunter]

I don't believe an education minor is required to teach. I believe all that is needed is state certification. I suppose an education minor wouldn't hurt but in my opinion, minors just get in the way.

 

[lsu]

I majored in Fisheries for one year at LSU and it is an amazing and interesting major. I would have loved to stick with it but found law to be more interesting. If a university near you offers Fisheries as a major I'd check it out. On a side note if you like fisheries, the Forestry major is also interesting with nice employment opportunities.

 

[tntanks]

..quit thinking you cant, when YES, you can!!!! one step or dollar at a time and however long it takes.

grab and growl and go on!!!!
..Im a 60 yr.old female; kid grown, a marine biologist and just got into reef tanks 2 years ago and it has stolen my heart. cant get enough when for years I thought, I cant do this. yes I can and have. and today joined this site and saw your post.
..there are so many programs out there for young, ambitious ones as yourself to help get you where you want to go. they didnt have or offer all this umpteen years ago and I have not developed as good as mind as I should have or could have. but I beat up the pages of books and the internet with what grabs and holds my interest. thats what I got and thats what I do with free time, which is not much. it was suggested I go back to school, not, let the young have their day and my space. I have my health, my pets, my tanks and good sence and a love for mother earth and all living things.
..23 yrs in a retail job, widowed but still going strong and hanging in there. I want to be just like Maxine, from greeting cards and push forward everyday, even if it is a baby step.
...anyway I hope this encouraged you some. TnTanks

 

[m0nk]

More good info, thanks all. I'd like to hear some more testimonials, etc, about various specialties in Marine Biology, or ideas/thoughts on using teaching as a temporary source of funding to get a masters. I've got plenty of time to get everything sorted out (and, of course, the available positions, etc may drastically change by then), but it's nice to have a plan in place while I'm still working on the first 2 "years" of classes. Thanks!!!

 

[geridoc]

I tell all of my undergraduates (Bio majors) that if a graduate program is going to cost you $$, then run, don't walk, to the door. In the sciences it is generally assumed that graduate education will be cost-free, usually through teaching assistantships or, for the lucky, fellowships that require no teaching. I am not directly familiar with marine biology programs, but I would bet that top programs fully fund their graduate students. Don't forget that all of those professors got there by publishing their research, which meant lots of grad students doing research, for pay. Good luck!

 

[m0nk]

Originally Posted by GeriDoc
I tell all of my undergraduates (Bio majors) that if a graduate program is going to cost you $$, then run, don't walk, to the door. In the sciences it is generally assumed that graduate education will be cost-free, usually through teaching assistantships or, for the lucky, fellowships that require no teaching. I am not directly familiar with marine biology programs, but I would bet that top programs fully fund their graduate students. Don't forget that all of those professors got there by publishing their research, which meant lots of grad students doing research, for pay. Good luck!
That's awesome info, thanks. Do you think that teaching would be a good way to fund the grad work? Also, if going that route, should one either double major in bio and education or just get the bio degree (maybe minoring in education) and try to get sponsorship to get a teaching certificate? I didn't initially think I wanted to teach but its sounding more and more like it's the way to go for the short term. Thanks!!

 

[psusocr1]

if you like science/math/chemistry etc. you should look into environmental science... im an environmental scientist right now out of college making fabulous money for my age and evan more to come.. the best part is that we have two of the best Env. Science programs right around you.. King's college and Wilkes University( imsure you know of them if you know about millersville) i did ALOT of freshwater fish research in college , but now i moved to florida for my job and id o alot of marine fish research here , so it has alot of potential to do things with saltwater fish/corals etc. etc
check it out!

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by GeriDoc
I tell all of my undergraduates (Bio majors) that if a graduate program is going to cost you $$, then run, don't walk, to the door. In the sciences it is generally assumed that graduate education will be cost-free, usually through teaching assistantships or, for the lucky, fellowships that require no teaching. I am not directly familiar with marine biology programs, but I would bet that top programs fully fund their graduate students. Don't forget that all of those professors got there by publishing their research, which meant lots of grad students doing research, for pay. Good luck!

This is absolutely true. I do, BTW, strongly suggest you go the teaching path in grad school, it is the time to learn whether you like it or not. There are not necessarily a lot of options in the marine biology world (as posted above I am also a fan of a general biology background)...and you want all options. Having done student teaching is a point on your resume, and rounds out a research side nicely.
I should edit...I don't mean a teaching degree, I mean a graduate teaching position, common in most graduate programs. You teach labs, in general, for biology, ecology, etc. As for getting the certificate as a teacher...I think that will mostly depend on whether you want to do elementary/HS teaching as opposed to college/university level. No one I knew did an education minor - but none intended to do anything less than university level teaching.
It is certainly not the only path, but in terms of short term funding for graduate work...it is a good one.

 

[rainbowsix]

Interesting thread,
I was also going to go into Marine Biology. Why? Because I love it and could see myself loving to go to work everyday. The problem? I am married and have a 10 year old little girl. The salary has dropped even further than it was before. If I was single and did not care about material items (clothes on your back and food) I would have done it.
I am 32 and went back for my degree. So 29 is not bad at all. Think of it this way. When you are 35 do you want to look back and say "Man I should have done that degree thing when I thought about it at 29". Or do you want to be 35 with no degree and no really outlook ahead of you and be wishing about the younger days. Trust me, we have all done it, but time is waiting on no one. Tomorrow is what you make it.

 

[prk543]

Originally Posted by psusocr1
if you like science/math/chemistry etc. you should look into environmental science... im an environmental scientist right now out of college making fabulous money for my age and evan more to come.. the best part is that we have two of the best Env. Science programs right around you.. King's college and Wilkes University( imsure you know of them if you know about millersville) i did ALOT of freshwater fish research in college , but now i moved to florida for my job and id o alot of marine fish research here , so it has alot of potential to do things with saltwater fish/corals etc. etc
check it out!
I agree. The environmental market is a fast paced business with a good bit of jobs, in fact if you arn't too crazy about teaching, and you know that isn't what you want to do. Go for biology with an environmental or earth science minor. One of my coworkers who chose the degree path I just suggested is being trained in wetland deleniation. If you do take an environmental science apporach go ahead and take a course or two in surface and ground water.
A friend of mine just got a job working as a Medtech at the local hospital after getting a degree in biology, but she had to go to school for a year inorder to be trained by the local hospital, which was basically like a full time job with out any pay. However you did say that you were a fairly good chemist; you could apply those skills to this field as well, and you would be able to probably get into some medical research in the future

Good luck with school. I highly suggest driving up to the local school with the program you like and talking to an adviser or someone in admissions. I am sure they would be very glad to find a way to help you out with funding school. Especially if you are looking to stay on for grad work as well.
-prk543