Marine Science

Advancing knowledge to support the world’s oceans and coasts, critical ecosystems for life on Earth.

Researching Science and the Sea

Ocean Life and Interactions

Based in Port Aransas on the Texas Gulf Coast, our marine scientists and their teams of graduate students, undergraduate researchers and staff colleagues leverage a range of resources to better understand sea and estuary life and conditions over time. Experts in the Department of Marine Science leverage the resources of UT’s Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve and its 186,189 acres that make it among the largest U.S. research stations of its kind.

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For Majors

Experiences & Careers

Students of marine and freshwater science frequently participate in the Semester by the Sea and other programs, secure internships, study abroad and conduct field research. They then go on to a wide range of careers, graduate programs and professional schools and enter jobs with titles like:

  • Environmental consultant
  • Natural resource manager
  • Fisheries biologist
  • Biotechnology specialist
  • Aquaculturist

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In The Texas Scientist

Explore Stories

Time at our coastal campus beyond Austin brings scientists and students into partnership, as they work to improve understanding about unique aspects of the Texas Gulf Coast. They explore dynamics of ocean life and work towards discoveries at the heart of our ability to promote sustainability on the planet.

Assessing damage and tending to animals after disaster

learning how species loss jeopardizes an ecosystem

Traveling to the Antarctic to learn about Weddell seals