Which Path Should I Choose for a Career in Marine Biology or Earth Science?

[MFrymus]

I'm in search for a career that is 'earth' related. I also have interests in the ocean. So, my choices come down to;
Earth Sciences & Marine Biology / Oceanography.
Was looking for a career in the space industry, or renewable energy, but found most of it to be engineering based. And I don't think id like that.

1) If I take EARTH SCIENCE in my undergrad, can I take MARINE BIOLOGY / OCEANOGRAPHY for my Masters? - In the end, I would be working by studying the OCEAN, and its inhabitants.
--OR--
Would I be better off focusing my studies on MARINE BIOLOGY / OCEANOGRAPHY in my undergrad right away?

2) If Its fine to take EARTH SCIENCE as my undergrad, what is the best university within Southern Ontario?
(Unless there is a university elsewhere within Canada that is cheaper, and living is not more expensive either)

3) If I take MARINE BIOLOGY / OCEANOGRAPHY as my undergrad, is it a wise idea to study this in Guelph? (Doing it because its close to home). Or should I move away to the West coast or preferably East coast (Cheaper in the East)?

 

[Asteropaeus]

Isn't marine biology completely different from oceanography?

If you become a marine biologist, you first become a generalist in biology, then you specialize in marine biology.
Oceanography should be a specialization in Earth science. You study system earth, then specialize in the ocean.

In the end both degrees can lead to some of the same research positions, but also make you eligible for very different ones.
You will be trained to think very differently about the subject.

You mention renewables. If you take a degree like marine biology with the ideals to protect the marine ecosystem, you have to be aware that if you don't cut it in academics, the only jobs available to you may be working for fisheries to figure out exactly how to catch the most fish.

Also, I don't know anything about Guelph, but it makes sense to me to study an ocean subject in a coastal city. Maybe Guelph has research stations at the coast, I don't know.

 

[MFrymus]

I would like to work with the marine species and mammals.
So, yes. I believe its more Maine Biology than Oceanography.

Guelph is a choice as its close to home. I would definitely like to move to the East especially since its on the Ocean.
But, its a money issue. I would have to see tuition price difference, and living cost differences.

Is this a hard job to find as a field worker? Very competitive?
I heard that pay can be fairly decent, starting from 50K+