What education is necessary to become a marine mammal scientist?

High School Studies:
A broad education is essential for finding employment in marine mammal science. High school courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and language will provide a good educational base. Consult your guidance counselor for help in selecting coursework. Good grades are essential for admission to a university.

Undergraduate Studies:
Most entry-level marine mammal jobs require a B.S. degree, with a major in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or psychology. A minor in any science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering also can be helpful. Good language and technical writing skills are essential. Many people are surprised by the amount of writing involved in marine mammal professions. Because marine mammals are found worldwide, foreign language training often is useful.

A student must first become a scientist before specializing in marine mammals. Generally, undergraduate students will concentrate on a basic science curriculum and rarely have an opportunity to take courses related to marine mammal science. Specialization in marine mammals generally comes later through practical work experience or while working toward an advanced degree. In other words, if your B.S. degree program does not include courses in marine sciences, do not become discouraged. Concentrate on finding practical experience and/or a master's degree with emphasis in marine mammal science. Maintaining a high grade point average as an undergraduate is very important if you intend to go to graduate school.

Graduate Studies:
The master's degree is usually the first opportunity college students have to specialize in marine mammal science. Care should be taken to select an advisor with experience in the subject and a reputable university with a diverse curriculum that will enable you to focus on marine mammal science.

Students who have dual majors or interdisciplinary training may have more employment opportunities. Because the field of marine mammal science is so diverse, students who train in specialized areas have practical tools that may help them gain employment. For example, a graduate degree in statistics may be very useful for entering the field of population assessment. A graduate degree in electrical engineering may be particularly useful for bioacoustic research. A graduate degree in environmental law may be important for developing a career in government policy-making or conservation.

What additional career opportunities will a graduate degree provide? With a B.S. degree, available marine mammal positions include animal care specialist, animal trainer, field technician, laboratory technician, consultant for industry, and entry-level government position. Generally, jobs at this level offer little opportunity for self-directed work.

The M.S. degree may facilitate individual work with marine mammals, e.g. designing research projects, developing management plans, supervising field or laboratory studies, or heading programs in education, husbandry, or training.

The acquisition of a Ph.D. or D.V.M. (or both) provides more career opportunities, including design and management of field and laboratory research programs, university faculty positions, coordination of government and industry programs, and management positions in oceanaria or museums.

Years of practical work experience sometimes can substitute for a graduate degree, but the time required to advance is typically longer.