I want to become a marine biologist. What would I have to major in college to become that/what college should I go to for that?
I am a ninth grader at City Charter High School. I have been wanting to do marine biology since I seen the movie Dolphin Tale. I just loved the care that they had for the animals and that's a career that I want to pursue in. I just need advice on how I can become a marine biologist. #marine-biology #biologist
1 answer
Janine Kafouros Bartling
Janine’s Answer
Study as much science as you can while you are in high school! Work on public speaking, participate in theater, and get comfortable talking in front of a lot of people. Find a place to volunteer - I was lucky enough to live near an aquarium that had a high school program - if you do not have that, any zoo, vet clinic, barn, or animal shelter will give you great experience with working with animals and learning about animal behavior.
Your college is up to you - there are many great biology programs, psychology programs, zoology programs, and marine biology programs. I went to UC Santa Cruz because of the marine mammals at Long Marine Lab. They have excellent programs at the school and its is a great place to study marine biology, marine mammals, and animal behavior. Enjoy high school and see what you want - do you want to stay close to home, go far away, what types of programs are important to you? There are many great schools all over the country, plus internships to give you even more experience in the field. It is important to find the best school for you.