海洋脊椎动物生物学专业为学生提供了基础生物学的扎实背景，重点是海洋脊椎动物，例如鱼，鲨鱼，鸟类，乌龟和海洋哺乳动物。它提供了比海洋科学学位更高的动物学背景。鼓励学生参加研究和实习。可以通过在石溪校园内或附近教授的野外和实验室课程以及从石溪南安普敦校园的野外站点获得经验学习的机会。大多数希望从事与海洋环境相关的研究工作的学生将需要计划研究生学习。职业机会包括研究，教育或在政府机构或非营利组织中工作。海洋脊椎动物生物学专业也为高中生物学教学硕士课程或预科或医学预科课程做好了准备。进入MAT计划或兽医或医学院入
The Marine Vertebrate Biology major provides students with a solid background in basic biology with an emphasis on marine vertebrate organisms such as fish, sharks, birds, turtles and marine mammals. It provides a more intensive zoology background than the Marine Sciences degree. Students are encouraged to participate in research and internships. Opportunities for experiential learning are available through field and laboratory courses taught at or near the Stony Brook campus and from a field station at the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Most students who wish to have a career in research related to the marine environment will need to plan for graduate study. Career possibilities include research, education, or work in government agencies or non-profit organizations. The Marine Vertebrate Biology major is also good preparation for the Master of Arts in Teaching high school biology program or a pre-vet or pre-med program. A few additional courses are required for admission to the MAT program or for veterinary or medical school admission. The Marine Vertebrate Biology major is administered by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, one of the leading oceanographic and atmospheric institutions in the nation.