Marine Biology (B.S.)

The marine biology program is tailored to take full advantage of Rollins’ ideal setting on the Florida peninsula—one hour from the Atlantic Ocean, 90 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, a few hours from the Florida Keys, and a one-hour flight to the Bahamas.

You are in the enviable position to apply lab work to these diverse ecosystems as part of a hands-on education. It’s the type of access to fieldwork that is rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Our emphasis on exploring and experiencing provides the most natural transition into a fulfilling career or postgraduate work.

Why Study Marine Biology at Rollins

Hands-On Experience

Undergraduates conduct graduate-level lab and field research in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Maine. Thanks to the Morrow Fund, an internal scholarship granted to the department, students have access to financial assistance.

Personal Attention

There are no more than 12 students in any upper-level marine biology class. The student-faculty ratio means instructors know the strengths of each student and can guide you individually.

Ready for the Next Step

By your second year, our faculty will have helped you build a resume. You’ll have the background to take on exciting internships and volunteer work. By graduation, you’ll have both feet in the real world.

Beyond the Classroom

Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program Students have the opportunity to work alongside a faculty member on research typically available only in graduate school. Damian Clarke ’19 studied sea stars up and down the east coast with biology professor Fiona Harper before presenting the results at the Benthic Ecology Meeting in Texas.

Summer Field Study Undergraduates have the opportunity to travel with marine biology faculty to assist with research projects in sensitive ecosystems, such as coral sites. This is in addition to fieldwork associated with classes.

Duke Marine Lab Semester Program The marine biology program is part of a consortium with Duke Marine Lab and gives students an opportunity to study marine systems along the North Carolina coast.