What Courses are in the Program?

Research Core: 15 creditsRSCH 510 Research FundamentalsMATH 510 Tools and Technologies for Data AnalysisMATH 525 Quantitative Research Design and StatisticsGISC 505 GIS & Remote Sensing for Environmental SolutionsRSCH 610 Research CommunicationMajor Program Core: 15 creditsMARI 505 Dynamics of Marine EcosystemsMARI 510 Conservation of Marine PredatorsMARI 515 Coral Ecology and ConservationMARI 520 Identification and Life History of Marine MammalsMARI 650 Research in Marine Conservation Biology

What is a Master of Science (MS) degree?

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study. Students typically specialize in a particular field of science and learn the research skills related to their discipline.The MS program is centered around developing a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry:Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results within the context of their scientific discipline.Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the ability to think analytically and critically about scientific problems, forming the basis for sound research and decision-making.Technical Expertise: Depending on the field of study, students may acquire advanced technical skills in areas such as data collection techniques, fieldwork, GIS mapping, computational modeling, or statistical analysis.Academic Writing: The ability to write clearly and effectively is honed, particularly through the process of producing a thesis or research papers suitable for publication.

scientist-lowering-sea-water-sampling-experiment

100% Online Master of Science Degree

Build a Career Protecting Our Ocean’s Future

Prepare for a career in marine conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable ocean science.

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Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months.

Program Overview

Marine Conservation Biology

This master’s program is designed to provide you with both scientific and conservation perspectives, preparing you for careers that protect marine ecosystems and advance ocean sustainability.

Career Outlook: Marine Biologists in the U.S.

18 K

Number of jobs in 2024*

2 %

Est. job growth through 2034*

$ 73 K

Median annual salary in 2024*

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

CAREER OUTCOMES

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Marine Conservation Biology?

what-can-you-do-with-a-marine-biology-degree

Marine Conservation Scientist

Analyze marine ecosystems and protect ocean biodiversity through science-based conservation.

Marine Policy Analyst

Collaborates with veterinarians to implement behavior plans and support clients.

Fisheries Biologist

Study fish populations to support sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.

Marine officer on the deck looking out over the ocean.

Coastal Resource Manager

Manage and protect coastal and marine environments for long-term sustainability.

“…the opportunity to get a graduate degree in there and pivot my life…”

Ryan Mahoney
MPS in Marine Science

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Ryan Mahoney
MPS in Marine Science

“Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been a water person and when I learned about Unity and the opportunity to get a graduate degree in there and pivot my life in that direction I like jumped on it.”

“I always had a team that was helping me. And because of that, I feel I was able to thrive.”

Abigail Young
MPS in Animal Science and Behavior

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Abigail Young
MPS in Animal Science and Behavior

“My favorite thing about Unity is connection. I really like the fact I never went a day without getting my question answered. I always had a team that was helping me. And because of that, I feel I was able to thrive.”

“Unity has been one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had.”

Keith Clayton
MPS Wildlife Conservation and Management

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Keith Clayton
MPS Wildlife Conservation and Management

“Unity has been one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had. Being able to pick and choose my schedules, what classes I was taking. When to take them, how to take them. Made it so much more accessible. I was allowed to still do the things that I loved, whether it be going for a hike, going outside. I was still able to do all of those things while still doing research at different organizations. So it was really nice to kind of get that full opportunity to do everything at once.”

“…being a full-time single mom it gives me the time to be able to do my coursework on my time.”

Haillee Donaby
MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Management

View Haillee’s Full Quote

Haillee Donaby
MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Management

“I really love my time at Unity because it allows me to take my courses online and being a full-time single mom it gives me the time to be able to do my coursework on my time.”

What you’ll learn

Understanding Marine Ecosystems and Conservation Science

Analyze marine biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and species interactions to inform evidence-based conservation strategies
Apply quantitative methods and GIS tools to assess marine habitats, threats, and resource management solutions
Evaluate scientific research and synthesize findings to support marine policy, fisheries management, and coastal planning
Design conservation strategies that balance biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and community needs

Unity-Marine-Biologist-Blog-Cover-e1777489695420

Awards and recognition

Proudly Recognized for Excellence

Tuition Rate Lock

Unity’s tuition is locked through 2030, meaning your rate won’t increase while you’re enrolled, providing cost certainty from start to finish.

Total Tuition Cost: $16,500

The total degree tuition falls below the annual federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limit, making it possible to finance your education without relying on additional private loans.

Military Friendly

Unity supports active-duty service members, veterans, and their families with a reduced tuition rate of $535/credit. VA education benefits, including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, Active Duty TA and others, may be used toward the cost of your degree.

NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.

Affordable, Transparent Tuition

With no hidden fees!

Flexible Payment Options

Plans that fit your budget.

Locked-In Tuition

7 years with no tuition increase.

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time while studying.

Personalized Financial Plan

Know your cost before you start.

Low Textbook Costs

Free materials in most courses.

Never an Application Fee

Apply For Free

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

Amber Ramos
Global Expert in Behavioral Science and Zoology

More Info

Amber Ramos
Global Expert in Behavioral Science and Zoology

Amber Ramos has been working as a marine mammal trainer and animal care specialist for over fifteen years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate studying Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Her research focuses on behavioral health and welfare of marine mammals under professional care. She is interested in all aspects of behavior, cognitive enrichment, and the human-animal relationship that promotes positive welfare. Amber works for The National Marine Mammal Foundation, as a lead trainer, supporting the US Navy Marine Mammal Program since 2007. She has been lucky enough to develop relationships with a large variety of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, ranging from neonates to geriatric animals. In addition to the animals under her care, she has had the unique opportunity to utilize her expertise by assisting with marine mammal rescue centers along the California coast. When she is not working or studying, Amber loves to visit Hawaii, or relax at home with her husband and their 2 cats.

Learn from Leaders

MS in Biology, BS in Wildlife,

Dr. Abra Foster
Global Expert in Veterinary Medicine and Shelter Care

Learn More About Dr. Foster

Dr. Abra Foster
Global Expert in Veterinary Medicine and Shelter Care

Dr. Abra Foster is a Graduate Adjunct Faculty member and veterinarian. She is a 2016 graduate of Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and has spent her career working in shelter medicine, low-cost veterinary care, and small animal general practice. She currently splits her time between the FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic and the Paw Patch Veterinary Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Foster has a background in Wildlife Management and Education with a B.S. in Wildlife from Purdue University. She worked with the Indianapolis Zoo’s Education Department after earning her undergraduate degree before deciding to return to school to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In her quest to become a veterinarian, she completed her M.S. in Biology at Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis. Dr. Foster is excited to expand into teaching with Unity Environmental University and bring her unique career experiences to students from all walks of life. She is excited to connect with students and bring her experience in the veterinary field into the classroom to help students learn from real-world applications of the concepts they will be learning. Dr. Foster lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and children, where they share their home with 4 amazing cats, 4 amazing dogs, and one very old rabbit. Outside of the veterinary field, Dr. Foster enjoys gardening (flowers, not food), spending time with her family, traveling, and loves to spend a few hours on her day off hitting local thrift stores!

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Experimental Psychology, B.S. in Zoology

Dr. Loraine Fernandez
Global Expert in Animal Cognition and Welfare

Learn More About Dr. Fernandez

Dr. Loraine Fernandez
Global Expert in Animal Cognition and Welfare

Dr. Loraine (Lorie) Fernandez has more than 20 years of experience teaching a variety of courses at the college level in both online and traditional learning environments. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and a master of art degree in the experimental analysis of behavior from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. She received her PhD in experimental psychology with a focus in comparative psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2003. Her primary areas of scholarly interests are diverse but broadly address animal learning/cognition and the welfare and behavior of animals housed in captivity. She is specifically interested in the environmental factors that contribute to the quality of life and psychological well-being of animals housed in captivity, particularly with respect to stereotypic or abnormal behavior. Her research has involved a wide variety of animal species, including giant pandas, giraffes, great apes, primates, prosimians, and swordtail fish. She has had the privilege of working and conducting research at Zoo Atlanta, the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China. She is currently a reviewer for two academic, peer-reviewed journals, Zoo Biology and the Journal for Applied Animal Welfare Science. In addition to teaching at Unity, Dr. Fernandez is the mother of two children. Her hobbies and interests include reading, cooking, traveling, fostering dogs and cats for a local rescue (adopt, don’t shop), and spending time with her family.

Learn from Leaders

DVM BS in Biology

Dr. Elisa Bobrin
Global Expert in Veterinary Science and Animal Care

Learn More About Dr. Bobrin

Dr. Elisa Bobrin
Global Expert in Veterinary Science and Animal Care

Elisa Bobrin, DVM is a licensed veterinarian and has been teaching at the college level for over 24 years, including Manor College in the veterinary technician program and Delaware Valley University in the Animal Science Department. She received her B.S. in Biology from The American University and her D.V.M from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bobrin’s areas of interest include working with small animals (cats and dogs) and exotic animals. While in veterinary school,l she did rotations at SeaWorld and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, she has conducted research on alligator infertility and intestinal parasites of catfish. Dr. Bobrin’s favorite subjects to teach are Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Nutrition, and Animal Diseases.

Dr. Bobrin has three young adult children, three rescue dogs, and one snake that keep her busy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, SCUBA diving, going to sporting events, going to the theater, trying new foods, listening to music, and relaxing by the beach.

Have Questions About the Master of Science in Marine Conservation Biology?

Marine Conservation Biology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on understanding and preserving marine ecosystems. It addresses the critical issue of marine ecosystem degradation caused by overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, which threaten marine biodiversity. Students in this field gain skills to develop and implement effective conservation strategies, contributing to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

The Master of Science in Marine Conservation Biology program offers an exploration of marine ecosystems, focusing on the biology, behavior, and interactions of marine organisms. You will develop research and critical analysis skills and apply advanced scientific methods to address key issues in marine conservation and ecology.

The Marine Conservation graduate program provides essential tools and knowledge to excel in academia, research institutions, and environmental organizations, setting a strong foundation for their future scientific endeavors.

The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program within just one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way.

Research Core: 15 credits

RSCH 510 Research Fundamentals
MATH 510 Tools and Technologies for Data Analysis
MATH 525 Quantitative Research Design and Statistics
GISC 505 GIS & Remote Sensing for Environmental Solutions
RSCH 610 Research Communication

Major Program Core: 15 credits

MARI 505 Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems
MARI 510 Conservation of Marine Predators
MARI 515 Coral Ecology and Conservation
MARI 520 Identification and Life History of Marine Mammals
MARI 650 Research in Marine Conservation Biology

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study. Students typically specialize in a particular field of science and learn the research skills related to their discipline.

The MS program is centered around developing a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry:

Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results within the context of their scientific discipline.
Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the ability to think analytically and critically about scientific problems, forming the basis for sound research and decision-making.
Technical Expertise: Depending on the field of study, students may acquire advanced technical skills in areas such as data collection techniques, fieldwork, GIS mapping, computational modeling, or statistical analysis.
Academic Writing: The ability to write clearly and effectively is honed, particularly through the process of producing a thesis or research papers suitable for publication.

Still Deciding?

Build a Career Protecting Our Ocean’s Future

Choose Your Next Step