Most commonly offered at schools near bodies of water, there are several Christian colleges and universities that offer degree programs in marine biology. These programs may offer a major or concentration in the subject and usually provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. Find out more about a few of these Christian colleges and their marine biology programs.
School Comparison
Multiple states, including Florida and Hawaii, are home to 4-year, Christian schools that have marine biology degree programs. Compare some of these schools and their undergraduate tuition rates in the table below.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition (2019-2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Interdenominational | West Palm Beach, FL | $32,500 |
| Ave Maria University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Ave Maria, FL | $21,854 |
| Wisconsin Lutheran College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod | Milwaukee, WI | $30,850 |
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church) | Laie, HI | $5,720 |
| Duke University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | United Methodist | Durham, NC | $58,031 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of Christian Colleges that Offer Marine Biology
Typically offered at the undergraduate degree level, several Christian colleges have marine biology programs. These schools also provide spiritual growth opportunities and vary in population size. Here we discuss some of these factors to help students decide which Christian college with marine biology is right for them.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Florida's Palm Beach Atlantic University had 2,855 undergraduate students in 2018, per the NCES. The university offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology that gives students access to nearby natural marine habitats like the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon. Students take multiple courses with laboratory components and complete the program with a senior research project. For their spiritual lives, students on campus can attend chapel services, Bible studies and various worship events, such as student-led coffeehouses and the Anchor (weekly student-led worship service).
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria University is also located in Florida and has a BS in Marine Biology program that prepares students for field- or laboratory-based careers. Students in the program learn about human impacts on marine environments and take courses in marine zoology, aquatic biology, chemistry and physics. Students on campus can grow in their faith with Mass services, daily devotionals, education programs (like Theology on Tap) and spiritual direction from priests on campus. In 2018, the university had 1,087 undergraduate students, according to the NCES.
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College offers students weekly chapel and worship services, Bible studies, spiritual retreats and local and global service opportunities to help them deepen their faith. The college also has a marine biology major that includes undergraduate research opportunities and experiential learning opportunities in a range of locations, including Australia and Jamaica. Students in the program can also take advantage of the school's proximity to Discovery World and the Milwaukee County Zoo for unique education and research opportunities. In 2018, the NCES reported that the university had 1,085 undergraduate students.
Brigham Young University- Hawaii
Brigham Young University - Hawaii offers a BS in Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology program that includes intensive laboratory work. Students in the program also participate in field experiences on the different beaches on the island of Oahu to study various marine organisms. The university has multiple Wards and Stakes (religious services), devotionals and a Service Center to connect students with service opportunities while helping them grow in their faith. According to the NCES, the university had 3,176 undergraduate students in 2018.
Duke University
North Carolina's Duke University had 6,682 undergraduates in 2018, per the NCES. Interested students can pursue a BS or Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a concentration in Marine Biology that requires students to take at least 4 credits at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Students in either program are required to complete at least 2 full lab courses and a capstone course. The university encourages spiritual growth in its students by providing worship services, mission trips and a variety of religious life groups, such as Cru, Agape Campus Ministry and the Navigators.