Get Involved at the MSUM Oceanarium

Want to DIVE in and help?

Maintaining the Oceanarium is a group effort and takes a lot of work, so we are always looking for more members to join our team! You don’t have to be a biology major, ALL students are welcome! There are lots of opportunities for everyone on campus, students and staff alike!

For more information on any of these opportunities, send an email to the Oceanarium Director.

Official Oceanarium Courses

Learn how the Oceanarium works, feed the organisms, learn about aquarium equipment, and help build new exhibits! Students from ANY major can enroll, it's NOT restricted to just Biology students!

  • BIOL 130 Oceanarium I (1 credit)
  • BIOL 230 Oceanarium II (1 credit)
  • BIOL 330 Oceanarium III (1 credit)
  • Meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00-3:50 p.m. in Langseth 102 or the Oceanarium (Langseth 5) for both fall and spring semesters
    • You ARE allowed to enroll if you can only attend one day a week due to a course conflict!
  • Taking these courses can also help you earn the Marine Aquarist Certificate.

Student Group

  • OCEAN (Oceanarium Committee of Educators And Networkers) is a student-run body that organizes Oceanarium-related campus events like OceanSCARYum for Halloween and Cry me a Shrimp for Valentine’s Day, among many more!
  • Meetings are Thursdays 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Oceanarium (Langseth Room 5)
  • You can still get involved even if you can’t make meeting times! You can still participate in discussions and attend events, and we'd be happy to add you to our Microsoft Teams
  • We need more students! Especially graphic designers and enthusiastic members that can advertise OCEAN across campus. The more students we have, the more EVENTS we can have!
  • Send an email to the Oceanarium Director if interested

Paid Student Positions

  • Outreach Aquarist (OA) - Give tours and host open hours at the Oceanarium and create educational materials
  • Life Support Technician (LST) - Learn about water testing, make saltwater, perform water changes, and inspect plumbing equipment
  • General Aquarist (GA) - Feed the animals, clean the tanks, and perform routine maintenance
    • Cannot be enrolled in BIOL 130, 230, or 330. Position contingent on feeding schedules of students enrolled in BIOL 130, 230, & 330

Learning Assistant (LA) - Assist the Oceanarium Director and help students succeed in the Oceanarium course. Must complete BIOL 330 and UNIV 389 to qualify. Have other ideas for student positions? Send us a proposal!

Volunteer Positions and Collaborations

  • Want to gain volunteer hours? We can always use help with animal feedings, tank maintenance, marketing, or building new exhibits
  • Have an idea for an ocean-related project? We regularly partner with students and staff in Visual Arts, Film, Communication, Marketing, Chemistry Physics, and many other programs.
    • For example, our mural was completed by an art student volunteer!
  • Feel free to reach out if you want to connect!

Note: You can also be in MORE than one of these roles at a time! For example, you can be enrolled in the course, have 2 paid student positions, AND be in the club all at once!