Overview

Key Facts

The major at University of California, San Diego requires a foundation in the natural sciences, a rigorous core of marine biology courses, and a unifying laboratory/field course that engages students more directly in the discovery process and in analyzing and interpreting data.

Majors select electives from a growing set of upper division Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) courses in marine biology and related disciplines. The marine biology curriculum takes advantage of the UC San Diego's unique physical location along the Pacific Ocean. Laboratory work and field trips to intertidal zones, salt marshes, and other marine ecosystems are important components of the instructional program.

Ocean sciences are relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems and central to understanding earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate and sustainability. A major in marine biology is an appropriate start for students who are seeking a career or graduate studies in marine biology and related biological disciplines, a career in fields such as marine conservation, or simply interested in the major to broaden their base of knowledge and experience in the biological sciences.

Program advisors and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities. It is strongly recommended that all Marine Biology majors meet regularly with academic advising staff in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Undergraduate Education Office in Galbraith Hall and with the marine biology faculty advisor to discuss and update curriculum choices.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Marine Biology
Biological Oceanography
Marine Biochemistry
Marine Biology Laboratory
Current Research in Marine Biology Colloquium
Physics and Chemistry of the Oceans
Biomechanics of Marine Life

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Biology View 2506 other Bachelors in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Completed Common Application, including USD Member Questions

Official high school transcript

Essay
Academic Letter of Recommendation
Application fee of $55

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

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

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

Funding

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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

Key Facts

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

San Diego

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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