Aquatic Biologists study basic principles of aquatic plant and animal life. They seek answers to questions about the lives of water-dwelling creatures, how they behave, and how they interact with other living things and their environment.
A Typical Day
- Prepare research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment, this includes field work.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Supervise biological technicians, technologists and other scientists.
- Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
Recommended Credentials
Master's Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Elsewhere in Michigan
Bachelors Degree in Zoology-
- Michigan State (Concentration in Marine Biology)
Bachelors Degree in Biological Laboratory Science-
Bachelors Degree in Biology-
- Lake Superior State University (Articulation with NMC)
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Visit Grass River Natural Area, they have many programs and camps available.
Participate in a program hosted by Inland Seas Education Association.
Join an Environmental Club at your school.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
See if your high school offers classes such as
- Biology/Advanced Biology
- Environmental Science
- Chemistry/Advanced Chemistry
Take whatever science classes you have available, especially advanced/AP versions of these courses!
Pathway 2
NMC's Freshwater Studies Program is a great opportunity to save money, while also getting hands-on experience, and an Associate's Degree. They also have an articulation agreement with the 4-year program at Lake Superior State.
Pathway 3
Look into a Bachelor's program followed by a Master's program in biology, or other related fields, like those listed in the education area.
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- Biological Scientist
- Research Biologist
Hear It From The Pros
10-Year Job Growth Projections
Employed Regionally
Wage Range & Median 10-County Region
Annual Hires Regionally
Other Regional Career Resources
Learn more about Aquatic Biologists at O*NET Online.