Really fascinated by marine biology and thinking of studying it in college. Are there any small colleges known for their marine biology programs? Personal experiences or thoughts would be super helpful!
Sure, there are several smaller colleges recognized for their strong marine biology programs, each offering unique features and opportunities.
New College of Florida is often hailed for its marine biology program. Its location in Sarasota provides a wealth of opportunities for field experiences in local habitats like Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Meanwhile, Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida has a great marine science department. Because it's situated on the Gulf Coast, students have a chance to conduct regular field studies on the ocean, placing strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
The College of the Atlantic in Maine might be a fit, especially if you're interested in studying marine biology in a different type of environment than Florida. Here, you'd focus on the cold-water marine habitats of the Atlantic Ocean.
Keep in mind that college resources like experienced faculty, internships, lab facilities, and fieldwork opportunities can play a huge role in your marine biology education. These are as, if not more important, than the size of the college.
Also, if you consider going this route, be open to taking additional courses or even double majoring in a related field (e.g., environmental science, conservation, etc.) particularly if you're contemplating a career in research or conservation.
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