Why Study Marine Vertebrate Biology?
Passionate about studying and conserving marine animals? Then the Marine Vertebrate Biology major is for you! You'll gain a solid background in basic biology with an emphasis on marine vertebrate organisms such as fish, sharks, sea birds, sea turtles and marine mammals. Opportunities for experiential learning are plentiful through field and laboratory courses taught at or near the Stony Brook campus and from a field station at the Stony Brook Southampton campus. The Marine Vertebrate Biology major provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate (including veterinary medicine) studies.
AREAS OF STUDY:
Strong foundation in biology, chemistry, math, and physics
Zoology and Vertebrate Biology
Focused courses on: fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, sea birds, and apex predators
Wide variety of electives including marine conservation and hands-on courses in animals rehabilitation
CAREER OPTIONS:
Aquatic Scientist
Research Technician
Aquaculture Specialist
Environmental Planner
Fish Biologist
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected November 2025
Start date
January 2025
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
Stony Brook University,
STONY BROOK,
New York,
11794, United States
First year students or freshman are those still in high school or have completed high school but have not attended college after high school.
Transfer students are anyone who, after high school graduation, has enrolled in university-level courses either in the US or another country.
English Proficiency
TOEFL (Internet-based & Home Edition) - 80
TOEFL Essentials - 9
IELTS - 6.5
Duolingo - 105
ACT English - 19
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (New Exam) - 480
IB English Higher Level - 5
AP English Language/Comp or Literature/Com exam - 3
A -level (Advanced) English - C
PTE Academic - 53
GaoKao - 125 (out of 150)
CSAT - Rank 1
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Nearly 95 per cent of Stony Brook University鈥檚 recent graduates are either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
