Student in Water
Students in Water
Crab

Aquatic and Marine Biology

About the Major

This major is designed for students interested in the study of life in freshwater and marine environments. It is housed within the Biology department. Scroll down this page to read about how to prepare for this program, the degree requirements, internship opportunities, and recent research projects.

What Classes Should I Take in High School to Prepare for this Program?

You should take standard college prep courses, including

  • Four years of English
  • A minimum of three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
  • Biology, Chemistry and Physics
  • At least two consecutive years of a modern language

Students who have participated in AICE, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced Placement may be awarded college credit, depending on their scores.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete the university's General Education requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences, in addition to the specific requirements for the Aquatic and Marine Biology Major.

Lower Division Requirements

-BIOL141, 142, and 244 (Introductory Biology sequence)

-BIOL243 (Biostatistics)

-CHEM141 and 142 (General Chemistry)

Upper Division Requirements

-Choose three of the following four courses:

  • BIOL306 Invertebrate Zoology
  • BIOL312 Marine Vertebrate Biology
  • BIOL313 Oceanography
  • BIOL333 Limnology (Freshwater Biology)

-BIOL397 Aquatic & Marine Biology Internship

-BIOL497 Junior Research Proposal

-BIOL498 Senior Research Project

-BIOL499 Senior Seminar

-One additional Upper Division Biology course

-Independent Study credits will not count toward the major requirements.

-Organic Chemistry is strongly recommended for most Biology students and students considering graduate school in Marine Science should take Physics.

Recent Senior Research Projects

Where Past Students have Interned

-Tampa Aquarium

-NOAA National Marine Fisheries

-St. Johns River Water Management District

-Mote Marine Labs

-Volusia County Environmental Management

  • Mosquito Control
  • Manatee Program

-City of DeLand Water Treatment Lab

-Marine Science Center

-Marine Discovery Center

-Volusia County Turtle Patrol

Recent Graduates are Working as:

Mote Marine Lab

Sanibel-Captiva Sea Turtle Conservation Program

Lab tech for United Water

Science teachers in Florida Public Schools

Graduate school at Duke University, Jacksonville University, Nova Southeastern

Learn More

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Dr. Gibbs. If you would like further information about Stetson University, please contact the Office of Admissions.