• BS Marine Biology
• BS Marine Biology/BS Ocean Engineering (5 year program)
• BS Biological Sciences
• BA Biology
• Minor in Marine Biology

Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Programs: 

• Bachelor of Science/Master of Oceanography – 5 year program (approved Feb. 2013). For Program Description click here. For additional information, go to 5th Year MO page.

Graduate Programs:

• MS and PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences (in CELS)
• MO, MS, and PhD in Oceanography (in GSO)

BS Marine Biology

This degree program is appropriate for students who plan to pursue a career in marine biology at a professional level as well as for those who plan on using their expertise in a wide range of careers. In addition to providing an opportunity to take upper-level courses in various aspects of marine biology, the curriculum is designed to give students a firm foundation in modern biological sciences, thus keeping doors open for a broad range of career opportunities (see Alumni page for examples of how our alumni are using their expertise in marine biology).

For current curriculum sheet (2010) click HERE.

The curriculum requires 36 credits of BIO courses and other sciences, as follows:

1. Introductory Biology:
   BIO 101, 102, 103, 104 – These courses (lectures, labs) serve as a prerequisite for all other BIO courses. Credit for AP Biology (score of 3, 4 or 5) satisfies this requirement.
2. Required Courses in Chemistry, Physics and Math:
   The same courses are required for the BS Marine Biology and BS Biological Sciences. They are: two semesters of General Chemistry w/ lab (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better), two semesters of Organic Chemistry w/ lab [OR one semester of Organic Chemistry w/lab and one semester of Biochemistry], two semesters of Physics w/ lab (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better), two semesters of Calculus (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better) [OR one semester of Calculus and one semester of Statistics].
3. Required Core Courses in Biological Sciences:
   These courses provide students with a firm foundation in subdisciplines of modern biological sciences such as: molecular and cell biology, genetics, physiology, organismal diversity, evolution and ecology.
4. Required Course in Oceanography:
   OCG 401 or 451 – Taught on the Kingston Campus by faculty from the Graduate School of Oceanography.
5. Marine Biology Electives:
   Course topics include, but are not limited to: Marine Ecology, Marine Environmental Physiology, Biology of Invertebrates, Biology of Algae, Ecology of Marine Plants, Deep Sea Biology, Evolution and Diversity of Fishes, Tropical Marine Invertebrates and Coral Reef Ecology. Qualified students also have the opportunity to take graduate-level courses in Biological Sciences and at the Graduate School of Oceanography (e.g., Biological Oceanography, Marine Microbiology, etc.).

Students are strongly encouraged to explore courses offered by other CELS departments such as FAVS, MAF, NRS, ENRE, etc.

Credit for courses taken through the URI in Bermuda program or the Woods Hole Sea Semester program (see Study Abroad page) will be assigned credit as per University Policy. Credit for courses taken as a part of other Study Abroad programs, those earned for completion of field courses at marine laboratories, or courses at other universities, may be evaluated for transfer credit. Students are encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor about these opportunities as soon as possible so a Pre-Approval of Transfer Credit form can be approved.

A total of 120 credits is required for the BS Marine Biology.

The requirements of the curriculum for the BS Marine Biology also allow students to satisfy the basic requirements for admission to medical school, dental school and veterinary school.  However,  additional courses in biological sciences are strongly recommended for application to these professional schools. Contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee for more information.

Double Major: BS Marine Biology and BS Ocean Engineering

This program provides the opportunity to combine these two exciting fields in a challenging 5-year program that will likely include some summer study. Click HERE for Course of Study. Consult with Coordinator of the Marine Biology Program (Dr. Webb) or the Chair of the Department of Ocean Engineering (Dr. Baxter).

BS in Biological Sciences

This program, which is similar to the BS in Marine Biology with reference to the number of credits in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Math, provides students with the opportunity to take a broader range of courses in biology, including a required course in plant biology and one in microbiology. Marine-related courses count toward Bio electives required for this degree.

BA in Biology

This program requires less chemistry, math and physics than the curriculum for either BS Biological Sciences or the BS Marine Biology. It also requires that 42 credits of the total of 120 required for graduation be earned in courses at or above the 300-level.  Electives may be chosen from courses in marine biology in order to satisfy an interest in this field.  This program would be appropriate for those students who want to combine marine biology with career interests in business, law, K-12 education, etc.

View: BA in Biology core requirements and electives.

Minor in Marine Biology

Completion of this minor requires at least 20 credits including 8 credits of General Biology (BIO 101, 102, 103, 104 or equivalent, e.g., AP, Biology), Marine Biology (BIO 360) and at least 8 additional credits at the 200-level or above, chosen from among courses that are counted as marine biology electives for the BS Marine Biology degree. A maximum of 3 credits in research (e.g., BIO 491, 492) may be counted towards the minor. At least half of the credits for the minor must be earned at URI. A minimum GPA of 2.00 must be earned in the credits required for the minor (as per University policy for minors). Application for a Minor in Marine Biology must be filed with the coordinator of the Marine Biology Program prior to the completion of the first semester of the senior year.

 What did marine biology majors do in the summer of:

Please send additional listings to Dr. Webb.

What are the requirements to get into the Marine Biology program?

Why should I major in Marine Biology?

If I am a Marine Biology major, can I do a minor or double major in other subjects?

I’ve heard that if you want to be a marine biologist that you should not major in marine biology. This makes no sense. What do they mean?

What is the difference between Marine Biology and Oceanography?

What sorts of research do marine biologists do?

How is the Marine Biology major different from the major in Biological Sciences? 

I want to work with marine mammals in an Aquarium, what should I major in and what courses should I take?

I want to study sharks, what should I major in and what courses should I take?

I want to go to Medical School/Dental School/Vet School – can I still major in Marine Biology?

Is there such a thing as marine animal medicine?

Why should I make an appointment to see my faculty advisor each semester?

What kind of study abroad programs are there for Marine Biology majors?

Are undergraduates allowed to take graduate courses?

How do I find a summer job in the field of marine biology?

I want to learn to SCUBA dive and become a certified diver? Who should I talk to?

What sorts of jobs can I get after graduation with a major in marine biology?

What are alums of the marine biology program doing since they graduated? 

What are the requirements to get into the Marine Biology program?
There are currently no specific requirements for getting into the Marine Biology program beyond those requirements for admission to URI. However, we strongly recommend that any student wanting to pursue the BS Marine Biology take as much science and math as they can in high school. This should include Biology, Chemistry, Physics and at least 11th grade Algebra/Trigonometry, or Precalculus (or calculus).
(top)

Why should I major in Marine Biology? 
Because:
- you have a sincere interest in learning about the marine environment and the marine organisms that live in it.
- you want to be an informed citizen and voter. Many issues of current concern involve policies relating to the use and conservation of the oceans and coastal habitats, and the exploitation of marine resources (including those for food and fuel).
– you are curious about the oceans and marine life and you have the desire to become a marine biologist.
- your interests will lead you into a career in marine-related industry, education, or work with a marine or environmentally related governmental agency or non-profit organization locally or on an international level. (top)

If I am a Marine Biology major, can I do a minor or a double major in other subjects?
Yes. You may do a minor or double major in any subject within the university (with the exception of Biology or Biological Sciences, because these degree programs are administered by the same department as the Marine Biology major), but doing a minor is not required. Consult your advisor for more information.(top)

I’ve heard that if you want to be a marine biologist that you should not major in marine biology. This makes no sense. What do they mean? 
It is essential that undergraduates do not specialize too soon, and that marine biology majors, especially those who intend to be professional marine biologists, obtain a strong foundation in a range of subdisciplines in modern biological sciences and the other scientific disciplines. Marine biology programs at some institutions may include only marine-related courses. This is not ideal, and this is the reason why our BS Marine Biology curriculum requires that students take Chemistry, Calculus, and Physics and four core courses in different subdisciplines in biological sciences in addition to marine biology electives.(top)

What is the difference between Marine Biology and Oceanography?
Simply put, Oceanography is the study of the oceans and the biological, chemical, physical and geological processes that occur within it. It is traditionally an interdisciplinary field studied in graduate school and requires undergraduate training in biology (or marine biology), chemistry, physics and/or geology. Marine Biology is the study of the biology of the organisms that live in the oceans. As such it is a subdiscipline of biology, but has some overlap with biological oceanography. (top)

What sorts of research do marine biologists do? 
Marine biologists do all sorts of research with marine organisms in the lab and in the field. They ask questions at all levels of organization: cell and molecular biology, genetics, anatomy, development, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution. Consult the research descriptions of faculty members at URI. A quick look at the Table of Contents of one of the major marine biology journals (e.g., Marine Biology, Marine Ecology Progress Series, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology) will give you an idea about the types of marine biological research going on right now around the world. (top)

How is the Marine Biology major different from the major in Biological Sciences? 
Both majors require general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus and physics and four core courses in biological sciences. While the BS in Biological Sciences requires a course in microbiology, and at least one course in plant biology, the BS Marine Biology curriculum requires students to take oceanography and then to fill out their 36 credits of biology courses with marine biology electives.(top)

I want to work with marine mammals in an Aquarium, what should I major in and what courses should I take?
This is a highly specialized area that few people in the country work in. A student would be advised to take courses in organismal biology (Invertebrate Biology, Vertebrate Biology, Fish Biology, Marine Mammals), and courses in aquaculture and aquatic animal diseases to prepare for aquarium work in general. A student who wants to work with marine mammals should also take courses in animal behavior and other courses on marine mammals if they are available. Volunteer work at an Aquarium or stranding program is generally required for entrance into this competitive field. Check out the Society for Marine Mammalogy website. (top)

I want to study sharks, what should I major in and what courses should I take?
The study of sharks is a specialized subfield within the fields of ichthyology and marine biology. Students should major in Marine Biology or Biological Sciences and take courses in Vertebrate Biology, Fish Biology, Ichthyology and more specialized courses, if they are available. Drs. Wilga + Wetherbee study different aspects of the biology of sharks. (top)

I want to go to Medical School/Dental School/Vet School – can I still major in Marine Biology? 
Yes. If you have a strong interest in the marine environment and marine organisms, you should major in marine biology.  Like the BS in Biological Science, the BS in Marine Biology curriculum includes those courses that are required for admission to Medical, Dental and Veterinary School.  However, it is recommended that all students take several additional courses.  (top)

Is there such a thing as marine animal medicine? 
Yes. It is a specialized subfield of veterinary medicine. Students interested in this field should major in biology, marine biology, animal science, or aquaculture, and should they pursue graduate education and/or admission to veterinary school. Check out the Society for Marine Mammalogy website.(top)

Why should I make an appointment to see my faculty advisor each semester? 
It is very important for you to interact with faculty on a one-on-one basis, and for faculty to get to know you well. Your faculty advisor can tell you about courses that suit your particular interests and satisfy your graduation requirements. He/she can also help you find out about summer field courses, job/internship/research opportunities, the graduate school application process, and how to seek out jobs after graduation. If your faculty advisor knows you well, and if you need a letter of recommendation for job/internship opportunities, he/she will be able to write an informative letter that will help you achieve your goal.  Remember, your advisor IS a marine biologist and is thus your best professional resource.  (top)

What kind of study abroad programs are there for Marine Biology majors? 
There are several study abroad programs in marine biology including The URI in Bermuda Program and the Woods Hole Sea Semester Program. Several students have gone to James Cook University in Australia and the University of Hawaii. Marine Biology majors are not limited to study abroad programs in Marine Biology. Students may also study abroad and take courses that satisfy their General Education requirements in literature, history, fine arts, etc. See the Study Abroad page for more information about opportunities . (top)

Are undergraduates allowed to take graduate courses?
Yes. If you are a junior or senior with a high GPA you should talk to the professor who is teaching the course to find out if he/she will allow you to take it. (top)

How do I find a summer job in the field of marine biology?
Summer jobs advertised in e-mails sent out by the Marine Biology program (“News and Notices”). You also need to be creative and use your contacts. Talk to your professors, your classmates and upperclassmen to find out what they know about or what they have done during the summer or see our “About Our Students” page. URI has three programs that offer summer research opportunities, see our “Research Opportunities & Internships” page for more information. The marine biology peer mentors are also a useful resource, they keep a notebook listing job, internship, study abroad and graduate school oportunities. (top)

I want to learn to SCUBA dive and become a certified diver? Who should I talk to?
The URI Dive Safety Office (DSO) offers SCUBA diving courses (AFS 270, 433) for credit. The URI SCUBA Club also has opportunities to get your basic SCUBA certifications. Local resources outside of the university (reputable dive shops) also offer certification courses. Consult the URI Diving Safety Program home page or talk to your advisor for more information. (top)

What sorts of jobs can I get after graduation with a major in marine biology? 
Marine biology majors have training in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus (and statistics), oceanography and marine biology. As such students would be qualified for any job that requires a BS, a BS in biology, or training in marine biology and oceanography. The possibilities are varied and are not limited to employment as a marine biologist, per se. Students are encouraged to consult the Career Center and to talk with their professors and advisors about job opportunities. You might want to check out OceanCareers.com for an excellent overview of careers in marine biology and oceanography. (top)

What are alumni of the Marine Biology Program doing since they graduated? 
Our alums are in research, policy, education, law, business and other fields. See the Alumni page for additional information about the career paths our alumni have taken. (top)

Find more information…

1) Freshman Advising is provided through University College (as are all freshmen in the University) and marine biology faculty serve as UC advisors. The Marine Biology program provides group advising for course registration each fall and spring in lieu of individual appointments with a UC advisor. When students have completed 30 credits and have achieved a GPA of > 2.0 they are transferred into CELS (College of the Environment and Life Sciences) and are assigned a permanent faculty advisor from among our marine biology faculty. This generally takes place at the beginning of the Fall of the sophomore year.

2) Faculty Advisors (Dr. Seibel, Dr. Thornber, Dr. Webb, Dr. Wilga) advise sophomores, juniors, and seniors with respect to course choices and graduation requirements, summer and study abroad opportunities, research opportunities, and post-graduation options.

3) The Program Director (Dr. Webb) is available to all marine biology majors. She sends out a weekly newsletter (“News and Notices”) to all Marine Biology majors via the Marine Biology Program listserv. These contain important information about course registration, field courses, job and internship opportunities, and other items of interest (e.g., guest lectures, seminars). Any student wanting to be added to the listserv should send an e-mail to: urimbio@mail.uri.edu.

4) Selected seniors in the Marine Biology Program act as Marine Biology Peer Mentors and provide an experienced student’s perspective for younger students. They provide helpful information on jobs, internships, study abroad and graduate school oportunities. Mentors meet with students during their office hours in the CELS Student Affairs Office (CBLS 130).

Mentors for 2012-2013: Kaeli Fertal and Russell Dauksis
Fall 2012 Office Hours (in CELS Student Affairs Office): TBA
E-mail: mbmentor@etal.uri.edu

5) Important Advising Resources:

• URI Catalog
• URI Student Handbook (including policies on Student Conduct and Academic Integrity)
• CELS Student Affairs Office (including downloadable forms)
• Links for Forms:
  • BS Marine Biology “Blue Sheet” (curriculum description and checksheet)
  • All CELS forms (e.g., petitions, pre-approval of transfer credit, intention to graduate, etc.)
• Other Useful Documents:
  • Strategy for Applying for Internships, Jobs and Scholarships with a Formal Application Process - read this before asking for letters of recommendation!
  • Template for a CV (resume) – NO, it doesn’t have to just be one page!
  • How to Read a Scientific Paper - from Hampshire College
  • How to Apply to Graduate School (from the Leadership Alliance)
  • How to Find the Right Graduate Program (from Science – Aug. 2009)
  • How to Make Your Application Stand Out (from Chronicle of Higher Education)
  • What Next? How to Find a Job or Internship - NEW

• Russell Dauksis and Kaelin Fertal will serve as the Marine Biology Peer Mentors for 2012-2013.
• Welcome to the Class of 2016! With 111 students starting the BS Marine Biology degree program in Sept. 2012, this class is the largest ever. They have come to URI from 15 states around the country.

• Russell Dauksis (Class of 2013) has been awarded a nationally competitive Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate award offered for students in the STEM disciplines. He is also a 2011 NOAA Hollings Scholar and did a NOAA Internship in Puerto Rico this summer studying coral conservation.

• 2012 Hollings Scholarships! - Five Marine Biology majors and one Ocean Engineering major have been awarded nationally competitive NOAA Hollings Scholarships. They are: Michael Canton (Marine Biology), Eilea Knotts (Marine Biology), Sarah Merolla (Marine Biology), Benjamin Sevey (Marine Biology), Callie Veelenturf (Marine Biology and Wildlife and Conservation Biology), and Brenton Wallin (Ocean Engineering). A total of 13URI students have received Hollings Scholarships over the past four consecutive years!

2011

• Fulbright Fellowships! Megan O’Brien (Marine Biology, Class of 2011, 2009 Hollings Scholar, and MS student in the Lane Lab) has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to study Fisheries Management at a University in Iceland (See her blog at: http://fulbrighticeland.wordpress.com/). Benjamin Negrete (Marine Biology, Class of 2012 and Hollings Scholar) was named a Fulbright Finalist.
• Nicole Leporacci and Bryan Pestone will serve as the Marine Biology Peer Mentors for 2011-2012.
• Correna Blewett (’11) and Shelby Rinehart (’13) were awarded URI Undergraduate Research Initiative Grants by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost – both work in Dr. Thornber’s lab.
• Connor Capizzano awarded the Class of 2011 University Academic Excellence Award in Marine Biology (also a NOAA Hollings Scholar)
• Graduate students Margot Bergstrom (Webb Lab), Leanne Elder (Seibel Lab), Jessica Conover (Thornber Lab) and Christine Newton (Thornber Lab) received the 2011 Biological Sciences Graduate Student Awards for Teaching Excellence
• Russell Dauksis (Class of 2013) was awarded a NOAA Ernest Hollings Scholarship. Russell is the 7th URI student (and the 6th CELS student) to receive this prestigious national scholarship in the past three years.
• Margot Bergstrom (Ph.D. student, Webb Lab) and Michele Guidone (Ph.D. student, Thornber Lab) were awarded URI Graduate Research Fellowships for 2011-2012.
• Amy Maas (Ph.D. student, Seibel Lab) was awarded a highly competitive Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Post-Doctoral Fellowship starting in Fall 2011.
• Connor Capizzano awarded the Class of 2011 University Academic Excellence Award in Marine Biology (also a NOAA Hollings Scholar)
• Graduate students Margot Bergstrom (Webb Lab), Leanne Elder (Seibel Lab), Jessica Conover (Thornber Lab) and Christine Newton (Thornber Lab) received the 2011 Biological Sciences Graduate Student Awards for Teaching Excellence
• Research by graduate students in the Wilga Lab were featured on Canadian Discovery Channel: Anabela Maia‘s work on the function of the dorsal fin in sharks. Click here. Jason Ramsay‘s work on shark feeding mechanics. Click here.

2010 Research Cruises

• Dr. Brad Seibel (Biological Sciences) and undergrads Ashley Stoehr (Class of 2010), and Kristina Camarena (Class of 2011) were in the Gulf of California on the R/V New Horizon (Scripps Inst. Oceanography) examining “Hypoxia and the ecology, behavior and physiology of jumbo squid, Dosidicus gigas” (collaborative grant, funded by NSF). Click here for photos from cruise.
• Dr. Dreux Chappell (post-doc in Dr. Bethany Jenkin’s lab, Dept. Cell and Molecular Biology) participated in a cruise on the R/V Melville (Scripps Inst. Oceanography, cruise MV1008) looking at phytoplankton (diatom) distributions with reference to grazing controls and trace metal limitation in the Costa Rica Upwelling Dome. Recent graduate Heather Cyr (Marine Biology, Class of 2010) assisted on the cruise.
• R/V Endeavor cruise May 2010 (Ph.D. student Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert, GSO – Chief Scientist) – Physics, chemistry and biology of Rhode Island’s offshore waters (sponsored by the RI Endeavor Program). Thor Jensen, Megan O’Brien, and Kristina Camarena were student participants on this cruise. (Press Release). Click here for photos from cruise.
• R/V Endeavor cruise October 2010 (Ph.D. student Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert, GSO – Chief Scientist) -Physics, chemistry and biology of Rhode Island’s offshore waters (sponsored by the RI Endeavor Program). Amanda Ziegler (Class of 2012) and Connor Cappizzano (Class of 2011) were student participants.

2010

• The Class of 2010!!! Read about their first steps after graduation on the Marine Biology Alumni page
• 2010 Recipients of the Stan Cobb Endowment Independent Research Awards - Amy Maynard (Class of 2010) “Effects of predation by fishes on the success of coral reef restoration” and Stephanie Schofield “Restoration of Acropora palmata coral colonies”
• Amy Maynard (Class of 2010), Dawn Simmons (Class of 2009) and Kelly Pennoyer (Class of 2008) published a paper based on the project they carrie dout when they were on the URI Bermuda Program. SEE: Wood JB, Maynard AE, Lawlor AG, Sawyer EK, Simmons DM, Pennoyer KE, Derby CD. 2010. Caribbean reef squid, Sepioteuthis sepioidea, use ink as a defense against predatory French grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum.  Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 388: 1-58.
• Megan O’Brien, Connor Cappizzano and Michael Justa served as volunteers for the First RIhode Island Sea Grant Coast 5K Run held in on Sept. 19, 2010 to raise funds for student scholarships
• Benjamin Negrete (’12), Megan Nepshinsky (’12) and Alexa Kretsch (Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology ’12) awarded nationally competitive Hollings Scholarships by NOAA. URI currently has more NOAA Hollings Scholars in the area of marine biology than any other research university in the US. (URI Press Release)
• Nicole Rohr (Ph.D. student and IGERT Fellow, Thornber Lab) – Awarded a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship by the National Sea Grant College Program, which matches fellows with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of government in Washington, DC. She is working with Senator Roger Wicker of MS on his marine policy, including the outcome of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Ashley Stoehr and Ananda Fraser awarded Class of 2010 University Academic Excellence Awards (for Marine Biology and Political Science, and for Marine Affairs, respectively). These two outstanding students were also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
• Dr. Marta Gomez-Chiarri (Dept. Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science) – recipient of the 2010 CELS Research Excellence Award.
• Ananda Fraser (’10) named a member of the Atlantic-10 2010 Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field Academic All-Conference Team in recognition of both her academic and athletic accomplishments.
• Emily Vincent (’10) and Christine Newton (MS student, Thornber Lab) both won Best Student Poster awards at the national Benthic Ecology Meetings (Wilmington, DE).
• Nicole Rohr (Ph.D. student and IGERT Fellow, Thornber Lab) awarded a P.E.O. Scholar Award, a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to women pursuing a Ph.D. or post-doc and are viewed to have high potential to significantly contribute to their field of study. (www.peointernational.org)
• Ashley Heinze (’10), Joseph Marini (’10), Megan O’Brien (’11), Ashley Stoehr (’10), and Emily Vincent (’10) – awarded URI Undergraduate Research Initiative Grants by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost.
• Amanda Ziegler (’11) and Emily Vincent (’10) win first and third place prizes, respectively, at the annual URI Coastal Fellows Poster Celebration.(read more….)…See article on Emily’s research.
• Megan O’Brien ( ’11) -awarded a Goldwater Scholarship and a NOAA Hollings Scholarship (URI Press Release)
• Connor Capizzano ( ’11) – awarded a NOAA Hollings Scholarship (URI Press Release
• Dr. Cheryl Wilga (Assoc. Prof., Bio Sci) – awarded the 2009 CELS Faculty Research Excellence Award

Students interested in pursing Marine Biology as a career or who would like to apply their knowledge of marine biology to other career paths choose the BS Marine Biology degree. This program, which is administered by The Department of Biological Sciences, is a rigorous one. In addition to providing an opportunity to take upper-level courses in various aspects of marine biology, the curriculum is designed to give students a firm foundation in modern biological sciences, as well as in chemistry, math, and physics, thus keeping doors open for a broad range of career opportunities. Students interested in pursuing a degree program in Marine Biology are strongly encouraged to take as much science and math as they can in high school.

Alternatively, students may work towards a BS in Biological Sciences or a BA in Biology (including appropriate marine-related courses). Students majoring in other subjects may choose to complete a Minor in Marine Biology.

Useful URI Links:

• URI Office of Admission
• University Honors Program
• URI Centennial Scholars Program (merit scholarships)
• “A Science or Engineering Bachelor’s Degree is Good For You” – 2006 Press Release from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

High School Students

Students who wish to explore marine biology while still in high school might want to investigate the following summer programs:

• Shoals Marine Laboratory (for Cornell academic credit)
  • Marine Environmental Science
  • Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine (see SEA below)
  • Links to other programs at University of New Hampshire and elsewhere
• SEA Education Association
  • Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine
• Project Oceanology

Prospective Graduate Students

Prospective graduate students interested in studying Marine Biology through the MS or PhD program in Biological and Environmental Sciences or the MS or PhD programs in Oceanography (at GSO) should first contact prospective mentors (see Marine Biology Faculty) to learn more about their research programs, whether they have openings in their labs for new students, and to arrange campus visits.

• Applications for admission in the Fall semester are due on January 15 for full consideration for financial aid (eg. Teaching Fellowships).
• For applications, please visit the Graduate School webpage.
• Teaching Assistantships (stipend and tuition remission in exchange for 20 hours/week teaching responsibilities) are available to qualified MS and PhD students.
• Summer Teaching Assistantships may also be available.
• Research Assistantships may be available in faculty laboratories.
• Small grants for the support of graduate research and travel to conferences depending on funding available are available via application from the CELS Dean’s office, the Graduate School, the URI Foundation, and the URI Council for Research. Students are also encouraged to apply for NSF Graduate Fellowships and other external sources of funding to support their work.

Useful Links:

• URI Graduate School
• “How To Apply to Graduate School” (from the Leadership Alliance)

Find more information…