Academic Programs

• Undergraduate Program
• Masters Program
• Semester Abroad in Australia at James Cook University: contact Chris Oakes (oakes@oxy) or Philipa Kerckerinck (kerckeri@oxy)

• Working With Faculty   (ongoing projects and independent study)
• The Vantuna Research Group  (marine research)
• US Navy Animal Care and Training Internship: contact Kerry McNally (mcnally@oxy)
• Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur: contact Kerry McNally (mcnally@oxy) or David Liss (dliss@oxy.edu)
• National Marine Fisheries Service: contact Amanda Winans (winans@oxy.edu) or Julie Peddy (peddy@noaa.gov).
• Friday Harbor: contact Amanda Winans (winans@oxy.edu)

Occidental's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean offers students a living laboratory for studying Marine Biology at the College. Beaches, intertidal areas, marinas and port facilities are about a one-hour-drive from the college campus.

Our marine program is part of the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI), which is a consortium of 10 local colleges and universities that pool their resources to promote the study of the near shore environment. Each summer we offer a five-week course in marine biology to undergraduates and high school seniors that carries full college credit. Oxy undergraduates select from biology courses and they are also encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities with faculty and working professionals.

Whether interested in learning about current research and projects at home or abroad, networking with marine scientists and faculty or thinking about eventually pursuing a graduate degree in marine biology, there are a variety of extracurricular activities for students to compliment their academic coursework. Past students have spent semesters abroad studying in Australia and in locations adjacent to the South Pacific, Mediterranean and the Caribbean. A number of our former undergraduate students are also enrolled in top graduate programs.