Marine Biology is the study of life in the ocean and coastal environments, from microscopic plankton to whales. This fully online BS in Marine Biology and Conservation at Husson University provides students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage and conserve marine organisms and their ecosystems. Marine biologists serve on the front line of ocean stewardship, working to protect marine species, sustain healthy ecosystems, and support human communities by promoting sustainable use of ocean resources, conserving coastal habitats, and mitigating human impacts. This program offers an in-depth exploration of marine biology and conservation that prepares students to enter this dynamic and vital field. Students will take courses in marine ecology, oceanography, conservation biology, fisheries and resource management, and applied field and research methods. 

Program Outcomes

  1. Identify and classify marine and coastal flora and fauna using natural history, taxonomy, and biogeography principles.

  2. Apply biological, ecological, and oceanographic principles to explain marine and coastal ecosystems.

  3. Collect, analyze, and interpret data using field, laboratory, and geospatial techniques to address marine science questions.

  4. Design conservation and management strategies that integrate ecological, political, social, and economic considerations.

  5. Communicate with scientific, professional, and public audiences to advance marine conservation and stewardship.

Notice: As a student enrolled in Husson University's online wildlife-focused program/course, you may engage in outdoor activities that involve wildlife. Such activities are not required by the course and are done on a voluntary basis. Participation in such activities has inherent risks. Neither Husson University nor its faculty and staff are responsible for any injuries, damages, or other harm to self or property that may occur to you and/or the wildlife. 

General Education Requirements
BY 191General Biology I3
BL 191General Biology Lab I1
CH 180Principles of Gen Chemistry3
CX 180Prin of Gen Chemistry Lab I1
CM 221Professional Communications3
EH 105College Writing3
HE 111The Husson Experience1-3
or HE 114 Husson Experience & Building Professional Skills
MS 132Probability and Statistics3
PH 220Environmental Philosophy3
PY 111General Psychology3
PY 231Social Psychology3
Fine Arts Elective3
Foreign Culture and Conversation Elective3
Literature Elective3
Math I Elective3-4
Perspectives Elective3
Major Requirements
AB 101Foundations of Animal Studies3
AB 201Animal Behavior3
BY 192General Biology II3
BL 192General Biology Lab II1
GS 101Foundations of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)3
WB 142Conservation Biology3
WB 210Marine Biology3
WB 214Marine Botany and Biodiversity3
WB 218Marine Vertebrates: Mammals, Seabirds, and Fishes3
WB 244Marine Ecology and Conservation3
WB 317Oceanography: From Currents to Climate3
WB 405Marine Policy and Resource Management3
WB 440Marine Research and Field Techniques3
WB 480Wildlife Biology and Conservation Capstone3
Marine Biology and Conservation Electives9
Open Electives 27
Total Hours118-121

Depending upon credit hour allocation, students may need an extra open elective to meet minimum credit requirement of 120.