A marine biology degree is only offered by certain colleges and universities throughout America for those interested in pursuing a degree that prepares them for careers relating to ocean life and ocean studies. There are many job areas within the aquatic sciences that do not require this specific degree because degrees in biology, physics, chemistry, and oceanography can provide the necessary education for anyone interested in the oceanic sciences. Other degrees in zoology, biometrics, and mathematics are equally helpful in pursuing careers in the marine sciences. There are not a huge amount of colleges and universities that offer the specific marine biology degree because of the importance of other undergraduate degrees to the marine science field. Information can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce as to which schools offer degrees in the marine sciences.

There are many different areas in career options which graduates may find satisfying such as a fishery biologist, aquatic mammalogist, biologist technician, and an oceanographer. Some careers deal with all aspects of oceanic life such as researching extinction, habitat studies, migrating instincts, and feeding habits. Other related careers study the physical and chemical aspects of the ocean through mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. Most jobs available to those interested in the field of oceanic sciences are found through private and public aquariums, fisheries, academic institutions such as colleges and universities and research labs. Oceanic science careers require marine biology degrees among other degrees in order to prepare the graduate for a very interesting and technically challenging career in this field.

The Internet has made the pursuit of a college education more accessible and convenient. Students have the option of online or on-campus studies from many of the schools that offer marine biology degrees. The advantages of online studies are the flexible scheduling and convenient format of a computer based degree. Online studies allow the student to maintain their present responsibilities while pursuing a marine biology degree as an e-learner. Internet applications such as email, discussion forums, web cams and chat rooms allow the student to still receive a personalized, quality instruction. Any hands-on or intern requirements can be fulfilled in short increments of time through minimal college residency. On-campus studies allow the student unlimited access to professors and hands-on involvement with aquatic life and projects. Either format of study can provide an excellent academic education through a marine biology degrees.

When evaluating the pursuit of any college program, it is important to consider the marketability of his or her degree in relation to the current job trends in the field. With yearly declining jobs available from the government sector and the requirement for graduate degrees in much of the science fields, it is wise for anyone interested to check out the logical options of employment available upon graduation. Earning potential is not as lucrative in the oceanic science fields as in other fields as well as offering limited jobs. However, if you have dedication and high interest in the field of aquatic sciences, personal satisfaction may outweigh the limitation of the marine science job market. Sometimes the pay off in a career is not about money, so check out your options and make a wise decision in determining whether or not to pursue a career in this area. "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments" (Proverbs 119:66).