If you’ve visited any coastline area recently, you have more than likely come across land that falls into the category of wetlands. These areas located between the vast ocean and solid land are vital to our ecological system. The United States once had close to 400 million acres of wetland before roads, buildings, and other infrastructure came about. Since then, the overall amount of wetland area has severely decreased. Working in marine resources management is a great way to help conserve these resources for the future.
Those who have an affinity for water, plants, and animals appreciate all that the wetlands provide. Working in marine resources management allows you to dive into the problems that face this critical resource. Not only do these specialists know all of the different species and life held in the wetlands, but they also work to educate others. These areas have a lot to offer our ecological systems and are vital to protect.
Marine Resources Management Tasks
A person who works in a marine science career has a choice of many different roles to play within the industry. Some work primarily with animals, and others focus on plant species. Other marine resource managers may work on the policy and government relations side while others choose to educate the public about enjoying wetlands while not harming the habitat. If protecting our coastal and water regions interests you, there is a wide range of potential careers that you could have with this degree.
Marine Resources Management Careers
There are plenty of career options when it comes to working in the field of marine resources management. Learn more about some of these exciting and exciting marine science careers.
1. National Park Service Ranger
Many national parks are on beautiful pieces of land that include wetland and coastal areas. Working for the National Park Service is a great way to use your degree and educate others who appreciate the outdoors. Teach those that visit the site about unique plants, animals, and marine life that inhabit the area. Work to conserve these areas by making sure that they are protected and taken care of.
2. Natural Resource Officer
Hunting, fishing, and trapping are everyday activities in the wetland areas around the nation. National Resource Officers help ensure that the public is complying with hunting rules and regulations regarding licenses and permits. In this career, you can also specialize in a specific field of expertise, like aquaculture, to ensure that those raising fish comply with state, local, and federal laws. Patrolling wetlands is also a standard part of this position and talking with those interested in harvesting animals.
3. Marine Researcher
For those graduates who enjoy learning more about this ever-changing field, a career as a marine researcher may be the perfect fit. Marine researchers work in a specific wetland area and conduct tests and collect data to learn more about how wetlands are doing. Marine researchers often work outdoors to inspect and collect data and work with others to improve a wetland area’s overall conditions.
4. Nonprofit Organization Director
Along with the state and federal government, many public patrons care deeply about their local waterways and marine environments. Many different nonprofit organizations, such as conservancies, rely on volunteers and marine resource professionals to help keep these areas healthy and thriving. Working for a nonprofit is a great way to focus on a specific cause and do what is best for the local community.
5. Working With Private Business & Government Agencies
There are many opportunities available for graduates who want to work with private businesses and government agencies focused on marine resources. They play an important role in overseeing research projects, program management, and implementing policies related to the ocean or coast, and protecting local wildlife.
Some of the diverse roles they take on may include everything from working as marine resources coordinators, marine biologists, project managers to conservation program directors. Helping to influence private businesses and government agencies to implement more sustainable and environmentally-friendly marine policies is a varied and rewarding career.
Marine Resources Management Courses
The best way to dive into a career in this field is to earn a degree. The Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Marine Resources Management from Everglades University is the first step. After completing the required 30 hours of general education classes, students will move onto the following courses to earn their degree.
Lower Division Required Courses
Students will dip their toes into this degree with these lower-division courses designed to introduce students to the beautiful world of marine resources. These classes make up 18 credits.
- Introduction to Environmental Change
- Introduction to Marine Biology
- Introduction to Sustainability
- Principles of Management
- Environmental Science
- Introduction to Environmental Policy
Interdisciplinary Studies
Previous education or knowledge in marine resources could count towards some of the 21 credit hours needed for this portion of the program. For those students who don’t have prior experience, you should take the following courses.
- Organization and Technology of Information Systems
- Macroeconomics
- Introduction to Marketing
- Negotiation Communications
- Principles of Business
- Principles of Supervision
- Financial Management
Upper Division Required Courses
The central part of this degree includes the following 54 credit hours of classes that expand students’ knowledge about management, business, and environmental issues.
- Writing for Managers
- Critical Thinking in Business
- Business Ethics
- U.S. Environmental Policy & Management
- Coastal Environmental Management
- Environmental Technology & Management
- Environmental Impact Analysis
- Environmental Change and Nature & Impact
- Relationship Management
- Project Management
- GIS Data Analysis and Mapping
- Communication and Environmental Justice
- Marine Policy and Management
- Introduction to Coastal Wetlands Management
- Estuaries & Coastal Ecology
- Coastal and Marine Environmental Policy
- Marine Resources Sustainability
- Marine Resources Capstone Course
Everglades University is a top choice in earning a degree in marine resources management. We have multiple Florida locations to help students understand and get up close and personal with areas that make up wetlands. For those not located in Florida, Everglades University offers this program entirely online, making it an easy choice to learn about marine science no matter where you live.
Apply online or request more information about this exciting degree program to start your career working in marine science!