Launch Your Career in the Ocean Industry

Does the ocean hold the key to your success? A truly unique major that combines study in business and marine sciences, UNE’s B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship allows you to nurture passions and career aspirations simultaneously. Our seaside campus, including a mile of coastline and a private island just off our shores, is the ideal environment for you to explore the intersection of marine business, management, economics, and science. Let the new ocean economy work for you.

Two students present their environmental monitoring buoy at a Student Innovation Showcase

Why UNE for Your B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship

Located just feet from the ocean, our Marine Science Center is an ideal hub for research, housing an array of ocean clusters that focus on sea vegetables/seaweeds, aquaponics, aquarium sciences, and other areas related to the marine industry.

Headshot of U N E student Ashlee Griffith

My internship helped me apply the knowledge my UNE classes have given me outside of the classroom. I was able to compare my first-hand experience to things I learned in class at UNE. 

Animal Behavior, Marine Sciences (Marine Biology Track)

What will you study? Marine Entrepreneurship Curriculum Overview

There are many ways you can navigate this major. The following are just some examples of the fascinating courses that the Marine Entrepreneurship major offers:

  • Discovering the Ocean Environment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Economics
  • Marine Biology
  • Creating Social Enterprises
  • The Marine Economy

Curriculum

CAS Core Requirements Credits
Total 42–46
Required Courses Credits
BUAC 201 – Financial Accounting 3
BUEC 204 – Microeconomics 3
BUEC 390 – Environmental Economics 3
BUFI 315 – Financial Concepts and Skills 3
BUMG 120 – Innovation through Technology 3
BUMG 200 – Management 3
BUMG 301 – Organizational Behavior or BUMG 302 – Human Resource Mgmt or BUMG 307 – Operations Management 3
BUMG 325 – Legal Environment of Business 3
BUMG 313 – Social Innov & Entre or BUMK 312 – Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management 3
BUMK 200 – Marketing 3
BUMG 498 – Strategic Management or MAR 410 – Marine Science Research 3
BUMG 495A – Business Administration Internship or MAR 495 – Adv Marine Science Internship 3
MAR 105/105L – Eco/Evo of Marine Organisms with Lab Credits inclulded in Core Requirements
MAR 106/106L – Biology II of Marine Organisms 4
MAR 150/150L – Discovering the Ocean Environment 4
MAR 250/250L – Marine Biology 4
MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences Credits included in Core Requirements
Two (2) courses from Biology/Marine Program Electives 6–8
Two (2) courses at 200-level or above in MAR, MAF, GIS, BIO, ORM, SRM, PSC, or ENV 6–8
Total Program Required Credits 60–64
Open elective courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits 120

Elective Courses

Biology/Marine Program Electives Credits
BIO 221 – Principles of Aquaculture 3
BIO 222/222L – Finfish/Shellfish Culture Techniques with Lab 4
MAF 210 – Introduction to U.S Ocean Governance 3
MAF 310 – U.S. Ocean and Coastal Law 3
MAR 316 – Science and Society 3
MAR 331 – Biology of Fishes 4

Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.

To learn more about the program visit the Academic Catalog.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Green Learning Community

First-year Marine Entrepreneurship majors are able to participate on a competitive basis in the Green Learning Community (GLC). The Green Learning Community (GLC) is an intentional community of professors and students dedicated to studying human relations to the environment. The year-long experience integrates courses in biology, environmental issues, literature, and economics.

In classes, you will find the same topic presented from different perspectives. You learn about the environment in an atmosphere where your opinions are welcomed and valued by supportive professors who foster a sense of community.

Much of the learning you do through the GLC takes place outside the classroom. The community-building experiences begin early in the fall with a retreat to Bryant Pond where you explore your individual goals for learning while collaborating in outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and working through a ropes course. Additional field trips throughout the year take you to places like the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wildlife Conservation Lands, and the Portland Trail System.

The small class sizes in the GLC allow you to receive individual attention and instruction that help develop your academic, research, and communication skills.

Meet our College of Business faculty and professional staff

Meet our School of Marine and Environmental Programs faculty and professional staff

Meet Jillian, Marine Entrepreneurship graduate

Career Paths for Marine Entrepreneurship Grads

Fuse your newly acquired knowledge of marine business and science in imaginative ways through research in the Marine Science Center and projects in our Makerspace. By combining these experiences with internships that expose you to the marine industry and develop your marine business acumen, you can set your sails for success as a marine entrepreneur.

Marine Entrepreneurship majors may explore a wide variety of professions in the marine industry, including:

  • Sustainable Business Developer/Consultant
  • Ecotourism Coordinator
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Aquaculture Technician
  • Seafood Broker
  • Marine Policy Advisor
  • Environmental and Marine Lawyer

Ocean Industry Career Advising

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Marine Entrepreneurship Facilities

UNE offers some of the best research, lab, and classroom facilities in the nation for the study of marine business and science — including state-of-the-art marine science buildings, a fleet of research vessels, and our own research island — and you can access all of them right from our main campus in Biddeford, Maine.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Marine Science Center

Launch Girard Marine Science Center

Explore all School of Marine and Environmental Programs facilities

Experiential Learning in Marine Entrepreneurship

UNE’s Marine Entrepreneurship major allows you to interact with people from marine communities to address contemporary problems in the ocean industry and consider real-world solutions. Make your idea a reality by creating a device prototype in our Makerspace. You may even enter your solution in UNE’s Maine Ideas Challenge, a university-wide idea stage competition. From hands-on research in the lab to exciting internships in the field, you’ll be doing far more than getting your feet wet.

Marine Entrepreneurship Internships

We offer rewarding internships with industry partners, including:

  • Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce
  • Saco River Salmon Club and Hatchery
  • Simonton Cove, Inc.
  • Shy Beaver Trout Hatchery, Inc.
  • RAS Corporation
  • Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems
  • Marine Ecological Habitats, Inc.

For more information contact Donna Gaspar Jarvis in the Academic and Career Advising Center.

A group of marine science students studying tide pools of a rocky Maine shoreline

Marine Entrepreneurship Research Opportunities

UNE provides a breadth of research opportunities not commonly offered to undergraduate students. So whether you’re interested in fighting the effects of neurotoxic algae, exploring ways to use the invasive green crab as lobster bait, or using tidal energy to increase the productivity of oyster production, we have a research project for you.

Research Fellowships

In addition to lab classes and faculty lab positions, UNE provides pathways for students to obtain research experience through fellowships from partners and programs including Pratt & Whitney, Bristol Seafood, SEANET, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Research Areas

The field of Marine Science is as broad and diverse as the vast oceans that cover most of our planet. At UNE we touch upon all facets of marine science with special focuses in the following areas of research.

Applied Marine Technology

Applied marine technology is a crucial Marine Programs research area that cuts across all others. Robotics, research vessels, remote and autonomous underwater vehicles, environmental monitoring, and modeling are all vital tools that enable modern marine research to occur. Researchers in this area are interested in innovations in and novel applications for marine technology.

Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems Operation

Part of our dedication to experiential learning includes providing opportunities to garner real-world skills that make you sought after in the job market and graduate education institutions. A shining example of this is our association with Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO). AALSO is a 501 c6 nonprofit organization that focuses on the education and training of aquatic life support operators around the world. AALSO members are those behind the scenes at research institutions and large public aquariums around the world who design, construct, and maintain large aquatic husbandry systems. AALSO provides professional credentialing and proficiency certifications that carry real weight in the industry. UNE is one of only two academic institutions who have been approved by AALSO to administer these tests to our students. Meaning you can walk out the door with a degree in hand, and a professional industry certification in your back pocket.

Researchers:

Boating and Marine Science Seamanship

Boats, for obvious reasons, are important to marine research. At UNE we are fortunate enough to have a fleet of research and education vessels [ATS1] from 18’ to 32’ that are utilized in our programs. Add to this our faculty and professional staff with professional vessel operation credentials and experience operating and conducting science aboard ships and research vessels all over the world — and UNE Marine programs are well suited to help you gain the important technical knowledge needed to be proficient and safe both operating and conducting research at sea.

Researchers: Tim Arienti

Modeling

The oceans cover more than 70% of the planet. The interconnectivity of life and ecosystems in the sea are incredibly complex, and distinctly linked to both the land and our atmosphere. Such complexity is nearly impossible to understand without the powerful predictive capacities of computer models. These models, based on data collected in the field, from satellites, the geological record, and elsewhere, are used to forecast (and hind-cast) everything from fish populations and food webs to ocean circulation, hurricanes, and climate change.

Researchers:

Robotics and Smart Technology

Ocean robotics and smart technology — in the form of underwater drones, manned submersibles, water quality sensors, oceanographic buoys, and camera systems — is a rapidly growing, and increasingly important marine field. In the age of technology, these tools are becoming vital components in enabling cutting-edge marine research across the board. 

Researchers:

Biology of Marine Organisms

Our Marine Programs faculty and professional staff conduct a wide range of research in the areas of biology and ecology of marine organisms. This research area is very broad and ranges from marine genetics to the migration patterns of large animals like sharks, seals, and whales. From seaweed to sharks — plankton to pinnipeds (seals!) our team covers it all.

Food Web Dynamics

Food web dynamics focuses on how energy moves through organisms in an ecosystem through primary productivity (photosynthesis) and consumers. Researchers in our Marine programs study these interactions to create a “who’s eating who” web of connections between organisms in an ecosystem.

Researchers: Carrie Byron, Ph.D.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are any species introduced to an ecosystem in which they are not native that then go on to cause disruption or harm to the functioning of that ecosystem. Marine organisms are adept at hitching rides in ballast water of ships, through hitchhiking on marine debris, or even through deliberate introduction. Researchers at UNE study these organisms and their ecological interactions and impacts in the Gulf of Maine and beyond.

Researchers: Markus Frederich, Ph.D.

Marine Invertebrates

There are more than 20,000 species of marine and fresh water bony fish on the planet, while mollusks alone (snails, bivalves, etc.) comprise more than 85,000 known species. Of all the expansive biodiversity contained within our oceans, the vast majority is contained within the marine invertebrates. With so much diversity, the opportunities for research in marine invertebrates are almost inexhaustible.

Researchers:

Oceanography

Life in the sea poses challenges unique to oceanic organisms, especially the smallest of those (microorganisms). By virtue of being immersed in water, they are at the mercy of the tides, currents, chemistry, and geology of the sea. Oceanography is the study of these physical properties and processes in the ocean — physical, chemical, and geological. Oceanography researchers at UNE study how these oceanographic components interact with each other and affect life in the sea.

Researchers:

Plankton and Microbes

With few exceptions, marine microbes and plankton form the base of the marine food web. Small but mighty, the plankton are the fuel for life in the sea. Researchers within our Marine programs study many facets of the biology, ecology, and even chemistry of this important and diverse group of organisms.

Researchers:

Sharks and Marine Mammals

The largest organisms in an ecosystem are often sentinels of ecosystem health and serve key roles in the health and balance of our oceans. UNE researchers study the biology and ecology of sharks and marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine and across the globe.

Researchers:

Food from the Ocean

With a global human population headed towards 10 billion by 2050, understanding the interactions between the ocean and what we eat is more important than ever. Our location on the coast of Maine has a deep heritage and connections to the people and communities who have harvested food from the sea, and the ecosystems that provide it. We have robust research and education programs in this focus area including fisheries science and management, ecological aquaculture, marine entrepreneurship, migration of highly migratory species, and food web ecology.

Fisheries Management and Science

Fisheries science and management are both distinct disciplines that are highly interwoven. Fisheries science creates the knowledge and data used in order for fisheries management to make the best possible policies to manage a fishery. The policies and the priorities set forth by management then in turn creates the framework for fisheries science to design and conduct research. At UNE, we have researchers with expertise on both sides of this important coin.

Researchers: Susan Farady

Ornamental Aquaculture

Globally, the saltwater ornamental fish and aquarium industry is valued at $15 billion, resulting in the importation of more than 400 fish species. And yet, only 10% of these fish are cultured. Ornamental aquaculture is the application of aquaculture techniques and protocols to produce fish and other organisms used for decorative purposes. This practice can help greatly reduce pressure on wild fish populations and increase the sustainability of a hobby growing rapidly on a global scale.

Researchers:

Sustainable Seafood and Aquaculture

The global human population is projected to be more than 10 billion people by 2050. That is a lot of mouths to feed. And yet, while the oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, only 2% of food production (including all fisheries and ocean farms) comes from the sea. In the future there will be by necessity, increased pressure on global oceans to produce food. Much of this will come from ocean-farms producing not only fish, but shellfish, seaweeds, and other marine foods. Researchers in our Marine programs study the entire suite of issues pertaining to seafood and aquaculture.

Researchers:

Human Impacts on the Ocean

Evidence of human impact on the ocean is everywhere, not just limited to our coastal oceans. Plastics and chemicals have been documented from the deepest depths of the global seas, while climate change affects all aspects of the ocean. More and more, we cannot separate studying the natural ocean environment apart from human influence. Fisheries, microplastics, policy, pollution, conservation, and restoration all fall into this category. UNE Marine Programs faculty, professional staff, and students are focused on research and solutions across the spectrum of human influence on our seas.

Climate Change

Our climate is changing — rapidly. Its impacts are felt broadly across our planet, especially our oceans, which play crucial roles in mediating, moderating, and shaping the global impacts of accelerating planetary change. This is exemplified in our own backyard, where the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 90% of all other ocean waters. Rather than a discrete area of study, climate change research at UNE Marine Programs is more of an umbrella. One of the most important planetary challenges of our time, climate change research is integrated by necessity into almost all of our Marine Programs research and scholarship areas of focus.

Researchers:

Conservation and Restoration

Not all human impacts on the sea are negative. Human interventions in the forms of conservation and restoration science and policies can produce real and impactful improvement in the marine environment. Ecosystem and habitat restoration, invasive species mitigation and management and ocean advocacy are all part of UNE Marine Programs.

Researchers:

Marine Business and Entrepreneurship

In many ways, the ocean represents a vast resource with the potential for creating economic growth in a sustainable or even restorative fashion. Opportunities here include sustainable fisheries and aquaculture ventures, ocean robotics, sensors and remote sensing, shipping, value-added marine-derived products such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals, even textiles and fashion.

Researchers: Jeri Fox

Marine Pollution

The ocean is downstream of everything and given a long enough period of time, everything ends up in the ocean. Marine pollution impacts our oceans through many pathways and in many forms: excess nutrients and runoff from urban and agricultural lands, bacteria from our wastewater, chemicals from our industries, and plastics from, well, everywhere…are just a few examples. Researchers in our Marine programs look into how the pollutants impact marine organisms and ecosystems, as well as techniques to mitigate and policies to prevent pollution from entering the ocean.

Researchers:

Global Education in Marine Entrepreneurship

In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad in Tangier, Morocco or Seville, Spain for the same cost as studying at UNE's Maine campuses, you may choose to enroll in one of our marine sciences-related travel courses. To enroll in these courses and learn more, visit the Global Education Program website.

Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.

Belize

BIO 421: Marine Topics: Coral Reef Studies

This course presents an in-depth study of the biology and taxonomy of corals while examining the ecology of the coral reef system and the future of reefs. 

BELIZE COURSE

Galápagos

MAR 451: Natural History and Evolution of the Galapagos Fauna

This course is designed to familiarize you with the biota of the Galapagos Islands, island history, ecology, and the behavior and evolution of the islands' animals. 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS COURSE

Iceland

Semester-Long Study Abroad Program

Spend a semester abroad in Akureyri on the northeast coast of Iceland. You'll be studying in Iceland's second-largest urban area surrounded by mountains and fjords.

ICELAND PROGRAM

 Faculty and students hike Sólheimajökull glacier

Panama

BIO 421: Conservation and Ecology of a Caribbean Island

This course covers topics in the history and geology of the Caribbean, including terrestrial, island, and marine biodiversity, plus the ecology and evolution of populations.

PANAMA COURSE

UNE North

The Institute for North Atlantic Studies of the University of New England is an education and research leader for Maine connected to the North Atlantic/Arctic region grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and built to support local to global collaborative approaches to shared challenges and opportunities.

UNE NORTH

Apply Today

Ready to begin your future in UNE’s Marine Entrepreneurship program?

Bachelor of Science in Marine Entrepreneurship FAQ

How can I work in marine entrepreneurship?

The ocean presents a vast playground for imaginative people to dive into the world of marine entrepreneurship. If you're eager to combine your business acumen with your love for the sea, you can explore such areas as aquaculture, marine ecotourism, and the creation of new products made from ocean-sourced materials.

The UNE Marine Entrepreneurship degree combines the best of our business and marine sciences degrees, to position you for success in these marine business categories:

1. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture:

  • Develop innovative fishing practices: Implement technology and data-driven solutions to optimize catches, minimize bycatch, and ensure seafood traceability.
  • Be an aquaculture farmer: Start or contribute to sustainable fish farms, oyster farms, kelp farms, and more.
  • Create value-added products: Turn underutilized species or fishing byproducts into marketable products like fish jerky, protein powders, or even fertilizers.

2. Ocean Technology and Robotics:

  • Develop underwater drones and sensors: Design equipment for ocean exploration, marine science research, and data collection for diverse purposes like environmental monitoring, resource management, or underwater archaeology.
  • Offer robotics solutions: Build robots for underwater maintenance of offshore infrastructure, cleaning up pollution, or assisting with aquaculture tasks.
  • Create data analysis platforms: Design tools that translate ocean data into actionable insights for various stakeholders, like fishermen, researchers, or policymakers.

3. Ecotourism and Sustainable Travel:

  • Organize ecotours and ocean experiences: Offer responsible tourism that educates visitors about marine conservation while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Develop responsible diving and snorkeling programs: Foster respect for underwater ecosystems and promote sustainable diving practices.
  • Invest in eco-friendly lodging and transportation: Create sustainable accommodation options or boat tours that minimize their footprint on marine environments.

4. Marine Products and Services:

  • Develop eco-friendly gear and apparel: Design and manufacture sustainable diving equipment, swimwear, or boat wear from recycled materials or with minimal environmental impact.
  • Offer marine education and consulting: Share your knowledge through workshops, online courses, or consulting services for coastal communities or businesses seeking to operate sustainably.
  • Create ocean-inspired art and crafts: Turn ocean debris or sustainably sourced materials into unique jewelry, home décor, or art pieces that raise awareness about ocean conservation.

5. Advocacy and Policy:

  • Support ocean conservation organizations: Work with NGOs or foundations to raise funds, develop campaigns, and influence policy decisions for ocean protection.
  • Become a marine policy expert: Advocate for sustainable ocean policies through research, communication, and collaboration with policymakers.
  • Invest in innovative solutions: Fund or support startups developing cutting-edge technologies or approaches for ocean conservation and sustainable development.

It’s important to remember that marine entrepreneurship requires passion, dedication, and a strong understanding of the ocean environment and its challenges.

What is marine conservation, and how can business support it?

Marine conservation is the protection and preservation of the ocean and its diverse ecosystems. It's about safeguarding the intricate tapestry of life within the seas, from microscopic plankton to majestic whales, and the complex systems that sustain them.

The UNE Marine Entrepreneurship degree provides a foundation for ocean-based businesses that conserve and support the marine environment. We believe that the development of new ocean-based businesses creates an economic incentive for sustainable marine management. By linking economic growth with environmental health, we can build collaborations that sustain the ocean as a vibrant, healthy resource for people and nature.

Explore UNE’s B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship curriculum

What is the best marine entrepreneurship degree program for me?

To evaluate whether a marine entrepreneurship degree program fits your needs, start by looking at these important criteria.

Faculty

Seek out marine entrepreneurship programs with professors whose expertise matches your interests, in business areas like management and marketing, as well as in terms of marine industries and sustainability.

Faculty for UNE’s business and marine programs are knowledgeable and supportive, and many have accrued real-world experiences with ocean-based businesses.

Meet our College of Business faculty and professional staff

Meet our School of Marine and Environmental Programs faculty and professional staff

Curriculum

Evaluate the marine entrepreneurship curriculum to ensure that the courses align with your interests.

UNE's marine entrepreneurship program offers an outstanding foundation in business, with training in marketing, management, economics, international business, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. You’ll be mentored in applying all of these principles to ocean-based business concepts as you gain hands-on experience with aquaculture businesses, ocean ecotourism businesses, brands that develop value-added ocean products, and more.

Learn more about UNE’s B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship curriculum

Career Goals

Choose a marine entrepreneurship degree program that aligns with your career aspirations and goals. Look for stories of past University students who have gone on to interesting ocean business ventures.

The UNE College of Business is committed to helping students achieve their goals. We prepare students for entry-level positions in the private or public sector and offer graduate-level coursework preparation. UNE has close partnerships with businesses across the marine space, which enables our students to build their professional network and experience career-starting internships.

Marine Entrepreneurship majors may explore a wide variety of professions, including:

  • Sustainable Business Developer/Consultant
  • Ecotourism Coordinator
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Aquaculture Technician
  • Seafood Broker
  • Marine Policy Advisor
  • Environmental and Marine Lawyer

UNE students can work with our Academic and Career Advising Center to find a path that matches their passions. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.

Learn more about Career Advising at UNE

Learning Environment

When looking for a college to study marine entrepreneurship, it’s important to consider the type of learning environment you will be immersed in.

At UNE, you can study and learn about marine entrepreneurship on the coast of Maine. Our seaside campus is located just feet from the ocean and our Marine Science Center is an ideal hub for research, housing an array of ocean clusters that focus on sea vegetables/seaweeds, aquaponics, aquarium sciences, and other areas related to the marine industry.

Learn more about the facilities available to you as a School of Marine and Environmental Programs student

Financial Aid

Consider whether the school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.

A UNE undergraduate education is affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships in amounts from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.

Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE