How to become a marine ecologist

Is becoming a marine ecologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do marine ecologists do?

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How to become a Marine Ecologist

Here’s a summary of the typical pathway to a career as a marine ecologist:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
A relevant bachelor's degree is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions in marine ecology. Common majors include marine biology, ecology, oceanography, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field. Coursework should include foundational classes in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and ecology, as well as specialized courses in marine science.

Field Experience
Practical experience conducting fieldwork in marine environments is essential for a career in marine ecology. Students should seek out opportunities for internships, volunteer positions, or undergraduate research projects that allow them to gain hands-on experience collecting data, conducting experiments, and studying marine organisms and ecosystems in their natural habitats.

Technical Skills
Aspiring marine ecologists need to develop strong technical knowledge relevant to the field. This includes proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), as well as scuba diving, boat handling, and laboratory skills.

Graduate Degree
While a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, earning a graduate degree – a master’s or Ph.D. –provides more advanced training and generally leads to better career opportunities in marine ecology. Graduate programs offer opportunities for specialized coursework, research, and mentorship, allowing students to develop expertise in their chosen area of specialization.

Specialization
Marine ecology is a broad field with many areas of specialization, including coral reef ecology, fisheries ecology, marine conservation biology, and marine microbial ecology, among others. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Marine Ecologist do? section in the career overview. Students should choose a specialization that aligns with their interests and career goals and seek out opportunities to gain specialized knowledge and expertise in their chosen area of focus.

Networking, Collaboration, and Continuing Education
Build professional relationships with other marine ecologists, researchers, and professionals in related fields. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with colleagues and stay informed about current issues, research findings, and developments in marine ecology.

Certifications and Professional Organizations
There isn't a certification that is universally recognized as a standard credential for marine ecologists. Instead, the qualifications and credentials of marine ecologists are primarily based on their educational background, research experience, and contributions to the field. However, marine ecologists may obtain certifications offered by professional organizations and societies related to ecology and conservation. Here’s a sampling:

  • Certified Senior Ecologist (CSE) – The Ecological Society of America (ESA) offers the CSE designation, which is designed for ecologists who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of ecology. The certification program covers various ecological disciplines, including marine ecology.
  • Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) – Administered by the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), the PWS certification is relevant for ecologists working on wetland-related projects. It signifies expertise in wetland science, ecology, and management.
  • Certified Fisheries Professional (CFP) – The American Fisheries Society (AFS) awards the CFP certification for fisheries professionals, which may be relevant for marine ecologists involved in aquatic ecosystems and fishery management.
  • Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) – The Wildlife Society (TWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of wildlife management and conservation. It grants the Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) professional designation, which is designed to recognize individuals who have met specific education and experience requirements in the field of wildlife biology and management.
  • Certified GIS Professional (GISP) – The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professionals. It awards the Certified GIS Professional (GISP) credential, which can be valuable for marine ecologists working with spatial data and habitat mapping.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics – Proficiency in statistical analysis software is crucial for analyzing marine ecological data. Certifications for software like R or SAS can demonstrate a strong foundation in statistical methods.
  • Scuba Diving Certification – The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) awards a range of certifications, for beginners, divers, and divemasters and instructors. These credentials may be of interest to marine ecologists involved in underwater research or studying fish in their natural habitats.
  • Leadership and Management Certifications – For marine ecologists involved in research project management, there are several certifications available, such as the Certified Manager (CM) certification offered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
  • Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification – The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) confers this designation, which qualifies candidates to manage patient assessment, wound care, and emergencies in remote and outdoor environments.

In addition to these certifying bodies, the following organizations also support the marine ecology community, providing advocacy, access to resources, and platforms for networking, information exchange and collaboration, and continuing education and professional development:

  • American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
  • Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
  • International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC)
  • International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)
  • Marine Technology Society (MTS)
  • World Association of Marine Stations (WAMS)
  • Society for Conservation Biology (SCB)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)
  • National Wildlife Federation (NWF)