marine biology student taking measurements underwater

Marine Biology

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Home >Under­graduate > Programs and Majors > Marine Biology

Marine biology is the study of the world’s marine environments.

Marine ecosystems cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface which provides fascinating diversity of animals and plants for you to investigate.

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Top Reasons to choose Marine Biology at florida southern college

Original Research

Beyond course work, marine biology students work with marine biology faculty on independent studies, research projects, off-campus expeditions, scientific conferences, and other activities.

Outdoor Learning

With our close proximity to Lake Hollingsworth, all your marine biology courses will have a strong outdoor component—you’ll be in the field observing and collecting data.

Central Florida Location

Florida Southern is located within driving distance of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and we bring our marine biology students to these very diverse environments.

Study Abroad

As a marine biology student, you will travel to places such as Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Bahamas to further your explorations.

Employment Outlook

Top Employers

  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium
  • Cumberland River Compact
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Private Oceans
  • Seaworld Entertainment

Alumni Work in These occupations

  • Conservation Scientists
  • Biological Technicians
  • Compliance Officers
  • Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Top Alumni Job Titles

  • Biology Faculty
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Coordinator
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Laboratory Manager

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Save the Animals

In BIO 2120 Biology and Conservation of Marine Mammals, you will be introduced to the biology of marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians and sea otters. You will study their physiology, behavior, evolution and ecology, with special emphasis on their conservation. Marine labs and nature preserves are common field trip destinations, where you will meet professionals and see first-hand how marine mammals are studied.

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Learn more about Marine Biology at the Virtual Day on Campus

Hear from college leadership, faculty, and staff as you learn more about life and learning at Florida Southern College. Academic showcases spanning the breadth of the college's academic offerings will provide you with opportunities to learn more about the Marine Biology program.

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Featured Marine Biology Faculty

Dr. Gabriel Langford
- Associate Professor of Biology

I feel that using an interactive approach allows students to start asking questions about biology instead of just memorizing scientific facts, enabling them to have a broader understanding of the subject matter. I also feel strongly that ecology and environmental studies courses should be transported into an outdoor classroom whenever possible. I believe that field-based courses are the best mechanism for teaching ecology, and in my experience students excel when presented with real-world challenges.

Read More about Dr. Gabriel LangfordMeet Our Faculty

Clubs and More

FSC’s Biology Department sponsors chapters of Beta Beta Beta, a national society for students in the biological sciences, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the national Health Preprofessional Honor Society, and Rho Rho Rho Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society.

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Program Information

Admission Requirements

First-Years

All domestic freshman applicants to Florida Southern College’s full-time degree programs must submit the following information:

In the News

There is always something interesting happening at Florida Southern.

Alaskan fishing boat Ocean Peace

Marine Biology Grads Expand Their Environmental Expertise...

Zoe Alexander '19 and Nick Goin '20 secure contracts as marine fishery observers.

FSC marine biology students with Dr. Jason Macrander (center) at the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) Annual Meeting.

FSC Marine Biology Students Participate in an Internation...

Students conducting research with Marine Biology professor Dr. Jason Macrander had the ...

Dr. Gabe Langford launches the Trident ROV for its inaugural voyage.

Underwater Drone Will Enhance Student Research

An underwater drone from National Geographic will allow FSC students to study a variety...

Marine Biology Program Contact

photo of Office of Admissions

Office of Admissions

Admissions Counselors
863.680.4131

photo of Dr. Gabe Langford

Dr. Gabe Langford

Associate Professor of Biology
863.680.4318

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