A World of Discovery Underwater

Protecting the planet by studying its oceans

Give to the Marine Biology Program

When the classroom takes place underwater, it helps to be located in Greater Los Angeles, where students have the opportunity to explore environments as diverse as the city itself. The study of marine biology at CSUN inspires students to search for bold solutions to global challenges including climate change, changing biodiversity, effects of offshore and coastal development, changing sea levels, and the consequences of high-intensity coastal storms. All in their own backyard.

The Marine Biology Program, housed in the College of Science and Mathematics, consists of a group of internationally recognized scientists and educators who conduct research throughout the global oceans. Members of the team are frequently featured in international journals and have funded their research through federal, state and private grants. Their research addresses critical societal issues including the coral reef crisis, fisheries resources and the resilience of important habitats. Such research agendas are advanced by creating unique opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students who are integrated in field research teams. The Marine Biology Program achieves its goals through partnerships with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Ocean Studies Institute (OSI) and Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI).

A life-changing training ground for CSUN students, the residential Marine Biology Semester, which is based on Santa Catalina Islands at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC), is just 26 miles from Los Angeles. This intensive undergraduate program allows students to take traditional classes and perform research in the marine laboratory, on shore and in the open ocean, working and living in close proximity to experienced researchers. Residency at this marine laboratory provides access to an invigorating educational environment, including state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, a diversity of marine habitats and scuba diving.

With award-winning faculty and access to places like the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and Catalina Island, it’s no wonder that the Marine Biology Program is highly successful in training research scientists. More than half of its Master’s graduates continue on to doctoral programs, while most others are employed in various areas of marine biology.

Discoveries made in marine biology have the potential to change the world. Help support this world-class exploration of Earth’s oceans and its underwater habitats with a gift to the Marine Biology Program.

Discoveries made in marine biology have the potential to change the world. Help support this world-class exploration of Earth’s oceans and its underwater habitats with a gift to the Marine Biology Program.

Opportunities for giving include:

• Support of field biology courses at Santa Catalina Island and other marine laboratories.
• Graduate research fellowships.
• Researchers in residence.
• Research infrastructure (boats, capital equipment, etc.).