Overview

The Marine Biology programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides an in-depth exploration of the complex processes that shape life within our oceans. This demanding curriculum is designed to introduce students to the vast diversity of marine organisms and their specific coastal and oceanic environments. By focusing on fundamental biological principles, the course prepares graduates to understand and protect vital aquatic ecosystems.

Why Marine Biology at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Students benefit from the university's prime location and specialised facilities, such as the Coastal Biology Building. The institution is recognised for its significant research contributions, including world-renowned studies on elephant seals. Learners have unique opportunities to participate in hands-on research within campus labs or engage in international field experiences, such as studying coral environments in Australia.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum emphasises basic principles of marine science and ecological processes. Modules may include:

Marine Ecosystems
Marine Organisms
Coastal Environments
Oceanic Environments
Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Marine Biology

Careers with Marine Biology

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths in science and environmental management. Many alumni secure positions within private industry, government agencies, or non-governmental organisations focused on conservation and fisheries. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing teaching credentials for K–12 education.

Furthermore, the rigorous academic training prepares students for successful admission into competitive graduate and professional programmes. Potential career areas include marine ecology, aquatic biology, and environmental consultancy. The practical research experience gained during the course is highly valued by employers across the global scientific community.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Marine Ecology

Marine Botany

Invertebrate Zoology

Ichthyology

Large Marine Vertebrates Field Course

Biology of Marine Mammals

Freshwater Ecology

Marine Ecology Field Quarter: Marine Ecology with Laboratory

Marine Ecology Field Quarter: Ichthyology with Laboratory

Marine Ecology Field Quarter: Methods in Field Ecology

Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses

Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses Laboratory

Marine Conservation Biology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Biology Marine Science View 2507 other Bachelors in Biology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Marine Biology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners