The Marine Biology graduate program focuses on the biology, ecology, physiology, and biodiversity of marine organisms. Students may pursue either a M.S. or a Ph.D. degree in Marine Biology. Our graduate students are afforded excellent opportunities for laboratory and field research. Our faculty conduct research in Fairbanks, the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Homer, the Juneau College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at Lena Point, the Seward Marine Center, and the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward. Students may conduct fieldwork in a variety of locations including, but not limited to, the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, the Aleutian Islands, and other coastal areas around Alaska. Our college also operates the coastal research vessel Nanuq and the ice-capable UNOLS vessel Sikuliaq.

Students considering graduate study in marine biology should have a strong background in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, or a related field. Students are admitted on the basis of their academic qualifications, research experience, and the ability of the program to provide mentorship in their particular area of research interest. The Marine Biology Department is an equal opportunity program, and we encourage students from diverse backgrounds to apply. We review requests for admission throughout the year.