Expert: Walter Hintz - 9/3/2011

Question
Hi, my name is Megan i'm a 5th grade student in pa, Are class is during a research project on what i would like to be when i grow up, I will like to be a Marine biology, i love the water, i love animals,ilove the outside,i love learning about diff things, where they came from, i love to know, ask much ask i can about them,  i dont no what i have to do to achieve my drean, to be a marine biology. what step do i need to take to become a marine biology, is they things i can do now to learn how to become a marine biology, what kind of skill will i need, they something i can do between know and high school, and then after high school what will i need to do. what college do i need to go to, and how long, thanks so much for you time

Answer
Hi Megan
This means you are 10 or 11 and a lot of years ahead of you if you want to be a marine biologist. You should plan on at least 7 more years of junior high and high school and 4 t0 6 years of college.To major in Marine Biology you will mostly need a Masters degree Here is what you must do.
In junior high do well in all science and math classes. When you get in high school take biology and chemistry and if they have advanced biology take it also. Chose a college with a good biology department. The University of Pennsylvania and nearby The Ohio State University would do fine for a Bachelors' degree After that you should find a college on the ocean to study marine biology.
 This is an awful lot of schooling but I will bet you can do it.
 While not in school continue to watch every show you can and read everything you find about Oceanography.
 Let me know if I can help you more.