Marine & Organismal Biology (BS)

Program Overview

Learn about the biology, evolution, and ecology of organisms that inhabit Earth’s land, fresh water, and oceans. Enroll in exciting courses like coral reef ecology, animal behavior, and entomology. Spend a summer studying marine life up close at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on the Gulf of Mexico.

The concentration in marine and organismal biology introduces students to marine ecosystems and the principles that help us to understand the processes that shape life in coastal and oceanic environments.

Students following the concentration in Marine and Organismal Biology should anticipate spending a portion of the summer between their junior and senior years at the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium laboratory (also known as the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.) on nearby Dauphin Island.

On a space available basis, study at the Sea Lab. might also be available between the sophomore and junior years. Appropriate courses taken at the Sea Lab. may be substituted for most of the upper-division concentration requirements. These courses are to be arranged in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and the College’s liaison officer for the Sea Lab., Dr. Charles M. Chester.

Program Goals

Our marine & organismal biology concentration provides students with a well-rounded education with a mix of classroom education and hands-on, practical experiences. We’re partnered with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to have our students learn out in the field with real-world professionals every summer. 

Where We Work

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Mississippi Department of Marine Fisheries
• Naval Oceanographic Office
• Shedd Aquarium

Career Outlook

This program is great for students who want to enter a research job in marine biology. Students will build connections with working researchers and gain practical experiences that will give them an edge over the competition in the job market upon graduation.