糖心社交

Our oceans and freshwater sources sustain life. As the world population grows and new environmental challenges arise, there’s perhaps never been a more important time to earn a degree in marine biology and freshwater ecology.

Over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities will grow by 7% for environmental scientists and specialists, 7% for biological technicians, and 4% for zoologists and wildlife biologists.

In a world where every drop of water counts, 糖心社交 faculty and students are asking important questions. Find out more about our freshwater programs and research.

From the lakes and streams of Wisconsin to the deep waters of the South Pacific, you’ll have plenty of places and opportunities to get your feet wet when you study marine biology and freshwater ecology at 糖心社交.

Freshwater field experiences will take you to wetlands, ponds, streams, rivers and lakes on and near campus, as well as in the nearby Kettle Moraine state natural areas.

During your junior or senior year, you will also study abroad for two semesters at Deakin University in Australia. With coastal and inland campus centers, Deakin offers ready access to some of the richest biodiversity in Australia.

Between courses at 糖心社交 and Deakin University, marine biology and freshwater ecology students will have access to a wide variety of elective classes.

As a freshwater ecology and marine biology major, you might be interested in participating in 糖心社交’s Science Outreach programming, or joining your classmates in the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Club or Beta Beta Beta, the biology honors society.

First-year students interested in biology (as well as chemistry, physics, or engineering) have the option to live in the Double Helix Learning Community.

Students interested in marine biology and freshwater ecology often seek careers in conservation, public policy, research, education, animal husbandry and other related fields. A sampling of positions and organizations include:

• Land program manager, Marine Science Institute
• President/CEO, Water Council
• Program analyst, Great Lakes Coastal
• Editor, Oceanic Preservation Society
• Soil conservationist, Glacierland Research and Development
• Program manager, Alliance for Water Stewardship North America
• Animal trainer, National Marine Mammal Foundation
• Bear management, Grand Teton National Park
• Water resource management Specialist, DNR
• Lake management specialist, McCloud Aquatics
• Environmental specialist, U.S. Department of Defense - Pearl Harbor
• Science technician (adult salmon), Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

Graduate schools
After earning their Bachelor of Science in biology, many of our students pursue master's degrees in fields such as ecology, environmental science and marine biology. A sample of graduate schools and programs include:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, environmental conservation
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, freshwater science and technology
• James Cook University, marine biology and ecology
• Oregon State University, marine resource management
• The Evergreen State College, environmental stewardship
• Stephen F. Austin State University, forestry and wildlife management
• University of Miami, marine mammal science

Biology faculty members are dedicated to student success, and many are leading researchers in their field of study. Expertise in our department includes areas such as:

• Biodiversity
• Environmental toxicology
• Aquatic ecology
• Habitat selection
• Conservation and restoration
• Behavioral ecology
• Population biology

And our faculty members also research fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and various aquatic invertebrates. Stephen Levas, an associate professor of biology and geography, geology, and environmental science, is a 2025-26 Fulbright Scholar, a recognition of his great teaching and research capabilities. Levas will work with students at the University of Belize to analyze research on coral reefs.