Preparing in High School | Majoring in Marine Biology | Courses for Transfer Students | Changing Careers | Scholarships | Mailed Information | Meeting with an Advisor 

Preparing in High School

We encourage high school students interested in majoring in marine biology at UW to complete high school pre-calculus and calculus, as well as at least one unit each of biology, physical science, and chemistry in combination with the UW core admissions requirements. Students are also encouraged to do volunteer work or internships in the field. In addition, high school students should seek out opportunities to do as much writing as possible. Students entering the sciences usually don’t realize how important writing is both to college success and their future careers in science. 

Majoring in Marine Biology

The faculty and scientists studying marine biology at UW work in various departments across campus, rather than in a single “marine biology” department. Because of this, marine biology courses are offered through different departments. Students interested in marine biology generally declare Oceanography, Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, or Biology as their majors. They then select courses to match their interest in marine biology and pursue opportunities to research with faculty who study topics in marine biology, as well as participate in marine biology experiential learning opportunities through internships, study at Friday Harbor Labs, and other experiences.

Students who would like to major in marine biology are encouraged to add the marine biology minor at any time during their degrees. The minor requires courses from the three aforementioned majors, with the goal of helping marine biology students approach research problems through a multi-perspective lens. The marine biology minor can also act as a gateway for helping students select courses and connect with research and experiential learning opportunities with a marine biology focus.

Courses for Transfer Students

To facilitate a smooth entry into the UW, transfer students should complete the suggested courses outlined on the transfer planning worksheets for one of the three majors related to marine biology:

We encourage transfer students to work toward an associate’s degree at their community colleges, but the UW no longer prefers that students complete an A.S. before they apply for admission. Students may apply to UW at any point.

The most important tool for transfer students coming from Washington State community colleges is the Course Equivalency Guide, which should be used in combination with the transfer planning worksheets to plan courses before transfer.

Students transferring from other institutions may contact marbiol@u.washington.edu to receive assistance regarding pre-transfer coursework. 

We also encourage prospective transfer students wanting to pursue marine biology at UW to continue learning about the marine sciences and to get involved in internships and research by exploring opportunities listed in Set Sail or downloading our Resources for Prospective Transfer Students handout.

Changing Careers

Prospective students who already have bachelor’s degrees but want to go back to school for career training in the marine sciences should consider applying to graduate school or taking the appropriate steps to apply for post-bachelor’s degrees at UW.

For graduate school in marine biology, students should explore the requirements for these departments:

Prospective students with bachelor’s degrees who are not ready for graduate school in the marine sciences should consider working toward post-bacs in Oceanography, Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, or Biology.

One option for prospective post-bacs is to take pre-requisite courses at community colleges, using the transfer guide above in Courses for Transfer Students.

The second option would be to take classes at UW as a non-matriculated/non-enrolled student. To do this, students need to enroll through UW Educational Outreach.

Students should apply for post-bacs through UW Admissions.

Scholarships

Various Scholarships are available to students studying marine biology at UW.  Please check out the following programs for more information:

UW Scholarhships for Marine Biology Students

Oceanography offers scholarships for incoming students who declare oceanography as their major on their UW applications and for continuing oceanography majors.

Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (AFS) also offers scholarships for incoming students who declare the AFS major on their UW applications and for continuing AFS majors.

Biology offers scholarships for declared biology majors. Students can declare the biology major after taking a few introductory chemistry and biology courses.

Friday Harbor Labs, UW’s marine station on San Juan Island, offers stipends and financial aid for students who study and apprentice on-site.

Carlson Center offers fellowships and awards to students who are committed and interested in public service.  In particular, we encourage marine biology students interested in teaching to explore the Carlson Center’s offerings including the Students in Service program. 

Howard Hughes Medical Institute opportunities for undergraduates include the Biology Fellows Program for beginning students interested in biology, the Integrative Research Internship Program and the Friday Harbor Labs Research Apprenticeship Program for undergraduate researchers, and the Science and Society Seminar Series and Undergraduate Research Symposium for all students.

Levinston Emerging Scholars Program supports motivated UW juniors and seniors to pursue independent research in genetics, neuroscience, biochemistry, bioengineering, bioinformatics, and related fields in the life sciences.

Mary Gates Endowment for Students offers UW undergraduate students across all disciplines funding for research, leadership, and venture projects.

UW’s Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards offers funding workshops, tools, and databases for prospective and current UW students.

Washington Research Foundation Fellowship supports advanced undergraduates who work on science and engineering research projects under the guidance of UW faculty.

Wilson Fellowship and Noyce Scholars Programs offer funding for science, math, and engineering graduates pursuing teaching careers and Masters in Education at UW.

Funding from Unaffliated Sources and Programs

We also encourage prospective and current UW students to seek scholarships from organizations outside of UW. Here's a listing of a few scholarship and funding opportunities:

National Geographic Young Explorer Grants provide funding for students to pursue research experiences in the field.

National Ocean Scholar Program provides tuition assistance for National Ocean Sciences Bowl students who have an interest in pursuing an ocean or a marine science in their post-high school education.

Puget Sound Anglers Scholarships for students wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree or higher in fisheries, with an emphasis in fish management.

Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarships for women student divers studying a range of topics including marine conservation or participating in research internships in marine biology.

Mailed Information

If you would like information sent to you, please send an email request to marbiol@u.washington.edu, or explore the pertinent webpages and download the flyers listed below.

We encourage prospective students to read about the marine biology minor and the three majors that undergraduate students interested in marine biology usually declare by following these links:

Marine Biology Minor

Oceanography

Aquatic & Fishery Sciences

Biology

Also, here are downloadable versions of program flyers we would send to you: 

Meet with an Advisor

Please contact marbiol@u.washington.edu to set up an advising appointment.