Rollins

The marine biology program is tailored to take full advantage of Rollins’ ideal setting on the Florida peninsula—one hour from the Atlantic Ocean, 90 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, a few hours from the Florida Keys, and a one-hour flight to the Bahamas.

You are in the enviable position to apply lab work to these diverse ecosystems as part of a hands-on education. It’s the type of access to fieldwork that is rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Our emphasis on exploring and experiencing provides the most natural transition into a fulfilling career or postgraduate work.


Why Study Marine Biology at Rollins

  1. Hands-On Experience

    Undergraduates conduct graduate-level lab and field research in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Maine. Thanks to the Morrow Fund, an internal scholarship granted to the department, students have access to financial assistance.

  2. Personal Attention

    There are no more than 12 students in any upper-level marine biology class. The student-faculty ratio means instructors know the strengths of each student and can guide you individually.

  3. Ready for the Next Step

    By your second year, our faculty will have helped you build a resume. You’ll have the background to take on exciting internships and volunteer work. By graduation, you’ll have both feet in the real world.

Interested in Studying Marine Biology at Rollins?

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Kiersten Miller ’12

“I’ve always loved science, but I didn’t discover marine biology until I went to Rollins. The incredible field studies changed my career plans. Those experiences convinced me that I’d want a balance of fieldwork and lab work in my job. The support from my professors and peers at Rollins was invaluable in getting me where I am today.”

Kiersten Miller ’12

Marine Scientist, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.


Rollins Marine Biology Careers

Rollins marine biology grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most prestigious universities and innovative organizations.

  • Kristin Kelly

    Kristin Kelly ’11

    Global Divemaster and Fisheries Observer, NOAA

  • Becca Hamilton

    Becca Hamilton ’15

    Marine Consultant, BNG Champion, and Field Manager, Cedar Key Dolphin Project

  • Self portrait of Guillermo Ortuno.

    Guillermo Ortuno ’14

    Co-Lead of the IUCN WCPA High Seas Specialist Group, Research Consultant & Director of Keystone Ocean S.L.

  • Callie Bateson

    Callie Bateson ’15

    MEd Candidate, Merrimack College

  • Self portrait of Hunter Noren.

    Hunter Noren ’12

    Lab Supervisor, Nova Southeastern University’s Cell Therapy Institute

  • Donna Campbell

    Donna Campbell ’09

    Environmental Scientist, Southwest Florida Water Management District


Real World Experience

From internships to research, marine biology students hone their skills in the real world.

  • Duke Marine Lab
  • SeaWorld
  • Sanibel Sea School
  • National Ecological Observatory Network
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • NOAA
  • Cape Eleuthera Institute
Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

Take a Closer Look

Popular Courses


A Day in the Life of a Rollins Marine Biology Major

“As a marine biology major, I’ve had several field studies ranging from catching reptiles to culturing urchin larvae. I love that my major taught me how to do independent research because it places a lot of responsibility on me and it fuels my investigative side.”

Arisara Caroline Rosendahl ’19

Senior Supply Chain Analyst, Darden Restaurants


Beyond the Classroom

Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program Students have the opportunity to work alongside a faculty member on research typically available only in graduate school. Damian Clarke ’19 studied sea stars up and down the east coast with biology professor Fiona Harper before presenting the results at the Benthic Ecology Meeting in Texas.

Summer Field Study Undergraduates have the opportunity to travel with marine biology faculty to assist with research projects in sensitive ecosystems, such as coral sites. This is in addition to fieldwork associated with classes.

Duke Marine Lab Semester Program The marine biology program is part of a consortium with Duke Marine Lab and gives students an opportunity to study marine systems along the North Carolina coast.


Students explore fish species in an aquarium at SeaWorld.

Keep Exploring

Take a deeper dive into marine biology at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.

Solving the World’s Biggest Problems

For Rollins students, alumni, and faculty, the most pressing issues of our time are not insurmountable. They’re opportunities to bring meaning to the term “global citizenship.”

Colin Kelly ’19 ’21MBA in front of a chalkboard displaying his business plan for his startup venture.

My Rollins Gateway: Sustainable Success

With degrees in marine biology and business, Colin Kelly ’19 ’21MBA is charting a course toward a tenable future in renewable energy.

Colin Kelly, Renee Sang, Neny Lairet, Wyatt Deihl, and Cristina Toppin

Rollins Ready

Equipped with 21st-century skills, real-world experience, and lifelong relationships, Rollins grads step into their futures ready to make the mark only they can.


Expert Faculty

Professors crafted the marine biology major at Rollins so they could share their passions for fieldwork and conservation. All faculty members have earned PhDs and are committed to being personally involved in the career trajectory of each student.

Department of Biology

Bush Science Center
1000 Holt Ave. – 2743
Winter Park, FL 32789

Telephone: 407.646.2494

Fax: 407.646.2138

Visit the Department of Biology Website

Contact Biology Professors

  • Pamela M. Brannock

    Pamela M. Brannock, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Exploring the genetic composition, connectivity, and variation of aquatic invertebrates

  • Bobby Fokidis

    Bobby Fokidis, PhD

    Associate Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Exploring the hormonal and neural links between energy status and animal behavior, particularly in a changing environment

  • Fiona Harper

    Fiona Harper, PhD

    Associate Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Marine evolution, speciation in the marine environment, hybridization between species, and population genetics of terrestrial and marine organisms

  • Paul T. Stephenson

    Paul T. Stephenson, PhD

    Associate Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Plant physiology and cell biology, with a focus on carnivorous plants and the regulation of enzymes that enable them to efficiently obtain nutrients from prey

  • Kathryn P. Sutherland

    Kathryn P. Sutherland, PhD

    Professor of Biology

    Research interests: Coral reef ecology and coral disease microbiology, focusing on white pox disease of Caribbean elkhorn coral