The UW currently does not have a “marine biology” major. Instead students interested in marine biology usually take marine biology focused courses, participate in marine biology related research and field experiences, and pursue one or more of the following three majors:
Oceanography
Incoming freshmen can declare this major on their admissions applications. A degree in Oceanography has the following options for tailored study:
- Biological Oceanography
- Chemical & Biochemical Oceanography
- Physical Processes & Fluid Dynamics
- Marine Geology & Geophysics
Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
Incoming freshmen can declare this major on their admissions applications. As majors, students decide between the following focus areas:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Marine Biology and Ecology
- Freshwater Ecology
- Conservation and Management
- Animal Biology and Culture
Biology
Incoming freshmen must take a few general biology and chemistry courses before declaring the biology major. Students declaring the biology major choose an area of concentration for their degree:
- General Biology
- Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
- Physiology
- Plant Biology
Friday Harbor Laboratories
Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) is UW's world renown marine station located on San Juan Island. All UW marine biology students are strongly encouraged to incorporate a quarter of study at FHL into their academic plans. Students and alumni often claim that studying at FHL was the most valuable experience during their undergraduate degrees. Students studying and apprenticing at FHL live on-site, conduct their own research, and work closely with UW faculty and visiting scientists from around the world. Intensive courses and apprenticeships run spring quarter through autumn quarter. Funding and scholarships are also available.