BS Marine Vertebrate Biology at Stony Brook University

Programme overview

Passionate about studying and conserving marine animals? Then the Marine Vertebrate Biology major is for you! You'll gain a solid background in basic biology with an emphasis on marine vertebrate organisms such as fish, sharks, sea birds, sea turtles and marine mammals.

Faculty: School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences | Department: School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stony Brook, NY, United States

What you will study

Areas of study: Strong foundation in biology, chemistry, math, and physics, Zoology and Vertebrate Biology, Focused courses on: fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, sea birds, and apex predators, Wide variety of electives including marine conservation and hands-on courses in animals, rehabilitation. Sample courses: Marine Mammals, Marine Apex Predators, Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Biology & Conservation of Seabirds.

Career pathways

Career options include Aquatic Scientist, Research Technician, Aquaculture Specialist, Environmental Planner, Fish Biologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission applies to the major at college/university level (Stony Brook University undergraduate admission). As a non-restricted major, there are no additional admission requirements for this program. Please review the general admission criteria related to how you are applying.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry terms: Fall 2027 and Spring 2027. Transfer entry terms: Fall 2027 and Spring 2027.

First-year: Spring 2027 entry deadline November 1; Fall 2027 Early Action deadline November 1; Fall 2027 Regular Decision deadline January 15 (completion deadlines: all required materials must be received by the date). The application fee is $50. Apply through the Common App, SUNY App or Coalition application. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test optional); SAT code 2548, ACT code 2952.

Transfer: Spring 2027 deadline November 1; Fall 2027 deadline May 1. The application fee is $50 (waived for up to four college choices for SUNY or CUNY two-year college graduates). Apply through the Common App or SUNY App. SAT/ACT scores are optional. Fall decisions begin mid-February; Spring decisions begin mid-November.

Apply through the official page: https://www.stonybrook.edu/undergraduate-admissions/apply/

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