•2 min read•from Marine Science
How bad is the market for marine science right now? I am looking at going back to college for it.
Our take
As you contemplate returning to college for marine science, specifically in biological oceanography, it's essential to understand the current job market in this field. Marine science offers exciting opportunities, but it faces challenges, including competition and funding constraints. Many positions require advanced degrees, such as a PhD, particularly in research. Your background in digital communications and your renewed commitment to math can enhance your skill set. It’s crucial to weigh potential financial investments against your passion, ensuring a balance between personal fulfillment and employability post-graduation.
Hi everyone, I’m considering going back to school for marine science, with a concentration in biological oceanography.
I’m mainly interested in understanding what the current job market looks like for people working in marine science or related ocean science fields. I already hold a B.A. in Digital Communications, but it hasn’t led to meaningful job opportunities, and I’m now reassessing my long-term career goals.
When I first entered college at 17, I initially majored marine science but ultimately switched paths due to concerns about the math requirements. That’s no longer an issue for me, and I feel much more prepared and motivated to take on the necessary coursework now.
At this stage of my life, I’m finding it difficult to stay in jobs I don’t enjoy simply because they pay reasonably well. I want to pursue something I’m genuinely passionate about, but I also need to be realistic—returning to school would likely involve a significant financial investment, so post-graduation employability is an important factor.
Long term, I’m interested in pursuing a PhD, as I understand that many research-based positions require graduate-level training. Currently, I’m completing prerequisites for an associate’s degree in medical laboratory science, but I’m realizing that this path doesn’t align well with my interests.
I would really appreciate any insight into:
- The current and projected job market for marine science
- Any advice for someone considering a later return to this field
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Tagged with
#marine science#citizen science#marine life databases#marine biodiversity#ocean data#interactive ocean maps#research collaboration#ocean circulation#research datasets#biological oceanography#job market#ocean science#graduate-level training#PhD#financial investment#post-graduation employability#career goals#coursework#associate’s degree#medical laboratory science