6 Top Marine Biology Colleges in Massachusetts|Program Details

There are marine biology colleges in Massachusetts where students study organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and other saltwater environments.

This includes marine plants, animals and other organisms, both invertebrates and vertebrates.

The main aim of marine biology is to improve the understanding of the marine world and also to predict changes in ecosystems that have lately been affected by natural disturbances and human activities.

In this article, we shall talk about the marine biology colleges in Canada, as well as other basic things to know about marine biologists.

Types of Marine Biologists

Most marine biology roles require strong research, scientific, and technical skills, even while studying at the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts. However, specializing in a particular area is required for career progression.

In terms of specialization, you can be looking at:

  • Coastal Management
  • Reef Ecology
  • Invertebrate Biodiversity
  • Fisheries Biology or Marine pollution

Furthermore, the job titles for marine biologists range from:

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

Whichever field you have chosen, the key to having a successful career in this field is through is by gaining relevant experience, either voluntary or paid.

What do marine biologists do?

They conduct species inventories, testing and monitoring sea creatures exposed to pollutants.

They collect samples and data-using processes such as coring techniques, geographic information systems, sampling and visual recording.

They analyze samples in the lab and go on to develop new research theories from them.

They preserve specimens and samples of unknown species they have found, as well as diseases. They go on to map the distribution, ranges and movements of marine populations.

They communicate the latest advances in marine sciences to the public, agencies, governments, and commercial organizations.

They carry out environmental impact assessments and evaluate the likely environmental impact of a proposed development or project. They consider the socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts.

They are into lecturing on policy, management and planning of marine activities.

They develop, implement and manage projects that are related to the marine environment.

They write grand proposals, contract negotiations, marketing and business development. Below is the list of marine biology colleges in Massachusetts.

The List of Marine Biology Colleges in Massachusetts and their programs

  • Boston University [Marine Science] BA, [Marine Biology Program] MA, PhD
  • Northeastern University [Marine Biology] BS,  [Marine Biology] MS
  • Salem State College [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS
  • Suffolk University [Biology with Marine Science concentration] BA, BS
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth [Biology with Marine Biology option] BS, [Marine Science] MS, PhD
  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Undergraduate Programs, Graduate Programs, Postdoctoral Programs

Now, let us look at the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts and their programs in detail.

Boston University [Marine Science] BA, [Marine Biology Program] MA, PhD

Boston University [Marine Science] BA[Marine Biology Program] MA, PhD:

The BA in Marine Science, offered through the BU Marine Program (BUMP), provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary education in marine science, with courses in biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography.

All Marine Science majors complete the Marine Semester, an intellectually and physically challenging sequence of four-month-long, research-based courses.

During the Marine Semester, students go ahead to conduct research in a variety of New England locations as well as the Belizean Barrier Reef, working with BU faculty and scientists from the New England Aquarium, NOAA, and the University of Belize.

The BA in Marine Science prepares graduates for positions that are marine-related in commercial, educational, governmental, and nonprofit organizations and for admission to graduate school in a range of fields (e.g., environmental science and policy, marine biology, oceanography, etc.).

Northeastern University [Marine Biology] BS,  [Marine Biology] MS


Northeastern University [Marine Biology] BS,  [Marine Biology] MS: The Northeastern Marine and Environmental Science program seek to prepare future generations of climatologists, ecologists, and marine biologists for the front lines of climate change — to reclaim our coral reefs, and oceans, our biodiversity, our air, and certainty for our future.

Salem State College [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS


Salem State College [Biology with Marine Biology concentration] BS: The Marine Biology Concentration provides a broad science background supported by observations of marine organisms and their environment.

The ocean and marshes of the North Shore and the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory offer a unique learning laboratory.

At Salem State College; one of the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts, students in any Biology program (BA or BS) complete a strong, general series of Biology and support courses that allows the pursuit of a wide variety of careers such as professional work.

Suffolk University [Biology with Marine Science concentration] BA, BS


Suffolk University [Biology with Marine Science concentration] BA, BS: This concentration at Suffolk University prepares you for a career as a marine biologist, conservationist, zoologist, and other fields related to ecology.

It is immersive and features courses taught through the Marine Studies Consortium (MSC), a collaborative organization of 16 local institutions.

Locations include the New England Aquarium and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth [Biology with Marine Biology option] BS, [Marine Science] MS, PhD


University of Massachusetts Dartmouth [Biology with Marine Biology option] BS[Marine Science] MSPhD: When you study marine biology at UMass Dartmouth, you begin with a solid foundation in fundamental biological principles and practices.

Then you’ll focus on your specific interests, from the biology of sharks and fishes to marine ecology.

They have a strong emphasis on field and laboratory opportunities, therefore you will learn marine biology while studying living organisms.

It is one of the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts whose curriculum emphasizes a diversity of ecological and evolutionary approaches including the study of:

  • Fishes
  • Invertebrates
  • Marine mammals
  • Marine microbiology
  • Marine science
  • Oceanography

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Undergraduate Programs, Graduate Programs, Postdoctoral Programs


Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Undergraduate ProgramsGraduate ProgramsPostdoctoral Programs: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is one of the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts and also is the world’s independent leader in ocean discovery, exploration, and education, working to understand and sustain one of humanity’s most precious common resources.

Skills for Marine Biologists

Marine biologists need accuracy and attention to detail for accurate recording of their observations and results.

They need excellent solving skills in order to find solutions to problems.

Strong communication skills are recommended for effective report writing, academic publications, press releases, environmental impact assessment, and conference presentations.

Marine biologists require flexibility to deal with possible short term work contracts.

What are your thoughts about these marine biology colleges in Massachusetts? Please share your thoughts below.

Editor’s Pick

Here are articles related to the marine biology colleges in Massachusetts:

Was This Article Helpful? Tell Us What You Think.