The 3 Best Marine Biology Colleges in South Carolina




Marine Biology Colleges in South Carolina are institutions in South Carolina that offer programs that teach about organisms and ecosystems in the oceans and other saltwater environments.




This also includes the study of marine plants, animals and other organisms, both vertebrates and invertebrates that are found in deep oceans, shallow seas and the laboratory.

The main aim of marine biology is to improve the understanding of the marine world and to understand and predict changes in the ecosystem that were caused by natural and human disturbances.

Marine biology is a broad-ranging career and you could get into any of the following:

  • Fieldwork
  • Academic research
  • Laboratory work
  • Consulting
  • Charity
  • Outreach or policymaking

Read on to find out the marine biology colleges in South Carolina and the various roles of a marine biologist.

Marine science in general

Marine science is an interdisciplinary field that employs aspects of biology, chemistry, geology and physical oceanography/atmospheric science toward the study of the ocean environment.

Lecture, laboratory and field experiences are integrated to provide an outstanding and well-rounded academic program.

Within marine science, you may choose to concentrate your studies in one of the following areas:




  • marine biology
  • coastal geology
  • marine chemistry
  • atmosphere/ocean dynamics
  • marine analytical technology

Students are encouraged to get involved with research or internship experiences, which can help undergraduate students get into graduate school, get a job, or make contacts in the field. Here are some careers in marine sciences:

  • Aquaculture technician or Fisheries manager
  • Aquarist
  • Ecologist
  • Marine Conservation
  • Water Quality Analyst
  • Research Technician
  • Education
  • Academia
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Coastal Zone Management
  • Marine Policy Management
  • Veterinarian

The roles of a marine biologists

Although most roles require strong technical, research and scientific skills, specializing in a particular area are usually required for career progression-whether in coastal management, reef ecology, invertebrate biodiversity, fisheries biology or marine pollution.

While many marine biologists have marine biology or science-related undergraduate degree with post-graduate study, the key to breaking into this career is to gain relevant experience, which could be either voluntary or paid.

In this field, there is a lot of competition for jobs, therefore seizing the opportunities to develop your skillset and prove your commitment is key and very vital. Below are some job titles of marine biologists:

  • marine policy expert
  • postdoctoral fellow
  • research assistant
  • fishery data manager
  • marine biotechnologist
  • environmental engineer
  • consultant in marine ecology
  • oil spill response specialist
  • professor in marine ecology
  • marine biology technician
  • reef restoration project manager
  • marine ecologist and dive operations manager

The List of Marine Biology Colleges in South Carolina

  1. Coastal Carolina University [Marine Science] BS, [Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies] MS
  2. College of Charleston – Grice Marine Laboratory [Marine Biology] BS, MS
  3. University of South Carolina [Marine Science] BS, MS, PhD

Let us review these marine biology colleges in South Carolina.

Coastal Carolina University

[Marine Science] BS, [Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies] MS

The Coastal Caroline University is regarded as one of the marine biology colleges in South Carolina because it offers three articulated programs in marine science and they are:




the undergraduate Bachelor of Science and two related graduate programs: the M.S. in coastal marine and wetland studies and the PhD in marine science: coastal and marine systems science.

During student’s enrollment at Coastal Carolina University, students are encouraged to participate in one or more internships.

See the details on tuition fees, housing and meals and other university fees.

Visit their Website

College of Charleston – Grice Marine Laboratory

[Marine Biology] BS, MS

This is one of the marine biology colleges in South Carolina that helps students participate in research early in their college careers.

Their program provides a strong background for graduate studies as well as a rewarding career in marine biology.

In a bid to help students achieve their dreams, there are state scholarships, institutional scholarships, departmental scholarships and other scholarships and resources to help students achieve their goals.




Undergraduate tuition for residents: $ 12,518

Undergraduate tuition for non-residents: $ 33,978

Graduate tuition for residents: $ 6,888

Graduate tuition for non residents: $ 18,688

Visit their Website

University of South Carolina




[Marine Science] BS, MS, PhD

Marine Science (as opposed to marine biology) offers a holistic approach to the study of the oceans.

This program at this university draws upon subject matter in many different fields of scientific endeavour, including geology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, physics and engineering.

Marine science courses in this university take a series of core courses covering the geological, biological, chemical and physical areas of oceanography and then choose upper-level major courses to tailor the degree to their specific interests.

The GeoScholar Scholarship Program provides financial and academic support for underrepresented students who have demonstrated financial need and are pursuing undergraduate degrees in the geosciences at the University of South Carolina:

  • Environmental Science;
  • Geology;
  • Geophysics, and
  • Marine Science.

This scholarship is renewable for up to four years and, in certain circumstances, you may be eligible for the fifth year of aid.

The scholarship deadline is usually around April 1 and the award deadline is around February 15.

See the tuition details.




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Why should you go for Geoscience, Marine or Environmental Degrees in any of the marine biology colleges in South Carolina?

The majors in the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment include environmental science, environmental studies, geological science,  and marine science.

These majors address critical issues such as energy, meteorology, water and mineral resources, stewardship of the environment, oceanography, reducing natural hazards for society, planetary science and more!

Students going for these degree programs take on the critical task of continuing the pursuit to understand the world and manage its resources.

All of the degrees play a pivotal role in the continuing quest to understand our world and to manage its resources.

Additionally, they provide curricula and a variety of programs that fit student interests.

Employers

You become a marine scientist once you are done with your program in any of the marine biology colleges in South Carolina.




Marine scientists are employed by marine research institutes, universities, international organizations, commercial companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

Finally, the field of marine biology is an ever-evolving field so continuous professional development in relevant research, technical and practical skills is a key part of the work.





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