Oceans cover over 70% of our world, yet scientists estimate that only a fraction of the oceans have been explored. Marine biology encompasses so much of the biology of these oceans and marine organisms, from viruses to whales, and from molecular biology to global warming. Studying for a marine biology degree can include a wide variety of other scientific disciplines, from aquaculture and oceanography to chemistry, meteorology, and zoology. The natural sciences have been an integral part of the liberal arts tradition for well over two-thousand years. On the Metropolitan Campus, the primary missions of the School of Natural Sciences are to provide the science component of the liberal arts education for all students as well as the professional training for its majors. The School of Natural Sciences of Fairleigh Dickinson University is committed to providing students with a solid foundation in both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of science. School of Natural Sciences graduates will be well prepared to further their education in graduate or professional schools or to pursue a variety of careers in biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, or marine sciences.

For matriculation in the marine biology curriculum, successful completion of secondary school courses in elementary algebra and plane geometry and a year of sciences are required. An applicant must have graduated from an accredited or government recognized secondary school or have received his or her General Education Development (GED) certificate. It is recommended (but not required) that an applicant completes the equivalent of 16 academic (university preparatory) units in secondary school. For transcripts not in English, a notarized or certified English translation must accompany the original transcript. Two letters of recommendation are required. For students currently enrolled in a school or post-secondary institution, at least one must be written by a teacher or school counselor. If the applicant has been out of school for several years, a recommendation form an employer may be submitted. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit the results of a test of English Proficiency to the Office of International Admissions. Students from Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand do not need to submit test scores. SAT or ACT scores are NOT required for admission consideration. However, an applicant may be eligible for higher scholarship award if they score above 1050 in SAT Critical Reading and Math combined sections, or above 23 in ACT.