Overview

The Biological Sciences (Marine Biology) at the University of Southern California offers an in-depth exploration of life within our oceans and saltwater environments. This degree focuses on the complex interactions between marine organisms and their habitats, addressing critical global issues such as climate change and ocean acidification.

Students examine the physiological and genetic mechanisms that allow life to thrive in dynamic and extreme underwater conditions. The curriculum is designed to provide a robust understanding of how warming and deoxygenation affect biodiversity. This knowledge is essential for protecting the vital ecosystem services that oceans provide to our planet.

The programme is hosted within the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, ensuring a broad educational foundation.

Why Biological Sciences (Marine Biology) at the University of Southern California?

The university provides access to specialised facilities and expertise in marine and environmental biology. Students benefit from a curriculum that covers everything from microbial population ecology to the cycling of energy in the global ocean. The programme's focus on contemporary environmental challenges makes it highly relevant.

Distinctive teaching features include the opportunity to participate in scientific diving and tropical coastal sustainability studies. The department also offers a dedicated honors programme for high-achieving students. This pathway includes conducting original research, attending honors seminars, and completing a formal undergraduate thesis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 73260 per year
National fee: USD 73260 per year
Local fee: USD 73260 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Aquatic Microbiology
Methods in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography
Marine Biology
Biological Oceanography
Scientific Diving
Seminar in Marine and Environmental Biology
The Global Environment
Geobiology and Astrobiology
Directed Research
Ecology and the Natural History of California
Our Future Changing Ocean
Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R
Sustainable Fisheries Management
Sustainable Aquaculture and Food Security
Tropical Coastal Zone Sustainability
Oceans, Climate, and the Environment

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution
Advanced General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution
Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology
Advanced General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biochemistry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Los Angeles, United States

Disciplines

Biology Marine Science View 2507 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

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

Official Test Scores
Transcripts: First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.
Letter(s) of Recommendation: One letter is required from either your school counselor or a teacher from your school. Applicants to the School of Cinematic Arts must submit three letters of recommendation.
Portfolio, resumé and/or additional writing samples: if required by major. Performance majors may also require auditions.
Submit your fall grades (when available)

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

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Out-of-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

73260 USD / year

≈ 73260 USD / year

Living costs

Los Angeles

United States

1520 - 2570 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 Biological Sciences (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

Los Angeles

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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