Transfer to CSU for Marine Biology

State Forums
1

<p>I'll be starting at a CSU in the fall of 2013 so I need to apply to the schools I want within the next couple of months. I've always been really into marine life and have always been passionate with conservation. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and the beach. I'm not too much of a night life type of person. I will go out with a few friends here and there. I currently live in Riverside, CA so I believe I would prefer a campus that is smaller, where I feel like I can receive more attention from my professors. With all this being said I have a list of some colleges, all have a marine biology emphasis available along with other interests I have also (fisheries, conservation, and ecology). I'd like some advice on the campuses. I suppose it doesn't matter to me too much what the campus looks like. I just want a good academic program. I'm currently sporting around a 2.8GPA. Help me select a campus. Please offer some pros and cons. I will be working part-time and will most likely rent out a room off-campus. What schools are "known" for their marine biology or biological sciences programs? I also want opportunity to network and get hands on participation with research. That is important to me.</p>

<p>Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
CSU Monterey Bay
Humboldt State University
Sonoma State University
CSU Long Beach
CSU Northridge
San Jose University
San Diego State University
CSU San Francisco</p>

<p>I really need to get these narrowed down. I'd prefer a school near the coast, forest, areas with natural stuff surrounding that offers plenty of outdoor activities. I'm looking for safety also.</p>

2

<p>With your GPA, that limits your options a bit. Cal Poly SLO and SDSU are most likely out.</p>

<p>Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
CSU Monterey Bay
Humboldt State University
Sonoma State University
CSU Long Beach
CSU Northridge
San Jose University
San Diego State University
CSU San Francisco</p>

<p>I would suggest that you visit the forums for each of these schools and ask some questions of current students. I would guess that CSU Monterey Bay would probably have the best program, given its location.</p>

3

<p>That’s what I might do in the next 2 to 3 yrs to Long Beach…I’m still in high school though.</p>

4

<p>Maybe Sacramento?</p>

5

<p>What’s up marine buddy?</p>

<p>I’m also applying for Fall '13 admission. Next month actually. How did that happen? I’m an ancient transfer student though.</p>

<p>The advice that has been given to me, here and elsewhere, is DO NOT MAJOR IN MARINE BIOLOGY. Do general biology. Get the broad basis and experience, and then do marine in grad school. By the way, are you planning on grad school? Because prospects for a B.S. in marine bio are pretty sad. I know it’s harsh, but it’s the reality.</p>

<p>I’ve considered a lot of those same colleges. Humboldt State absolutely tops my list, and I think it hits all the key things you’re looking for. They have excellent programs in all the areas it sounds like you’re interested in, and they’re very open to letting you take classes in any major as long as you have the prereqs. They’re right on the coast for easy beach access. You can take classes to learn how to dive. They have their own research vessel for undergrads. Student body is around 8,000, so plenty of people to hang out with, but not so many that you’ll feel lost.</p>

<p>Monterey came in second. I didn’t click with the campus when I visited. It’s new. It’s nice. It’s kind of bland and empty. Their majors are also set up differently. You don’t get a degree in marine biology, for example, you get a degree in something like “Environmental Biology, Ecology, and Policy” or something like that. They seem to be geared toward putting out students with a broad, worldview kind of approach. I’m sure it’s awesome. It just seems odd. Plus sides: Monterey Bay Aquarium, MBARI, and UC Santa Cruz are all right there. You’d be closer to home for visits, too.</p>

<p>Cal Poly got knocked off my list after a visit. I love the college, I love the area. They offered nothing exciting to me as a biology major. I’m sure their program is just fine and the added prestige might help a little, but biology is not a huge focus there, and I felt like my time could be better spent elsewhere.</p>

<p>A friend of mine with similar interests moved to Santa Rosa and is angling for Sonoma State. Another friend of mine from the zoo attended Channel Islands and spoke highly of it.</p>

<p>San Diego and Long Beach are both big campuses with huge student bodies, and are much more competitive than HSU or CSUMB. Look into them and see if either of them feel right for you.</p>

6

<p>Ya I’m going for fall '13 too but most likely I’ll go to a CC 1st since my mom isn’t convinced I’m sure what I want to be or do in college.Besides CC is way cheaper…</p>

<p>But I was doing some research and I heard not to get a BA in marine biology since you won’t be able to do any major research unless its in graduate school.That’s a bit discouraging but maybe regular biology will give me better options if I change my mind.I’m still not sure about oceanography either plus I need to learn how to be a better swimmer.</p>

<p>~So far the CSUs that I think have good marine biology or natural sciences oppurtunities are: Humboldt,San Diego,or Long Beach…but I haven’t looked at all of the CSUs</p>