Marine Biology
College of the Environment
Marine Biology involves the study of life processes of organisms inhabiting saltwater environments — from genetics and evolution to physiological traits and ecosystem functioning. The major examines the marine aspects of biodiversity, ecology and ecosystems and organismal processes, along with impacts from ocean change.
Major category:
Minor available
Area(s) of interest: Natural and environmental sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
After notification of admission and before registration, new students should visit or email the Student Services Office at marbiol@uw.edu for help in planning their programs.
Recommended courses for first-year students: FISH 250; English composition; calculus; CHEM 120 and OCEAN 295; BIOL 180.
Learn more about Marine Biology on the department website.
Contact a Marine Biology adviser with any questions: marbiol@uw.edu or (206) 543-7426
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses RECOMMENDED for admission:
- English Composition
- BIO 180 NSc – Intro Biology
- BIO 200 NSc – Intro Biology
- BIO 220 NSc – Intro Biology
- MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus I
- CHEM 120 NSc RSN – Principles of Chemistry I1
- CHEM 220 NSc RSN – Principles of Chemistry II2
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 381
Total from Washington community colleges: 21
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 8
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: 5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5