The career I want to pursue when I go to college is in marine science. This career piques my interests and suits my character style. As a child, I was intrigued by stories set in the ocean or along the beach. Sea creatures and indigenous areas have always made me want to learn more. While the natural disasters were devastating, they also caught my attention. The college I selected is University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I have found it to be an affordable college choice and have the greatest academic advantages in my career choice of becoming a marine biologist. Although I have not participated in many marine aquatic activities, I still chose to research the career path of becoming a marine biologist. Founded in 1910 by the governor of California, UCLA is a public research university committed to the “creation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge for the betterment of a global society” (UCLA). The university has implemented the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) that later became the Global Internet The National Research Council (NRC) reports that UCLA academics are among the top ten in the nation and are still among the most cost-effective. Undergraduate tuition. UCLA's in-state cost of attendance for one year is $32,414 compared to Columbia University in New York which is $49,138. Focused on an optimistic approach, UCLA is committed to achieving results past and continues to bring new technologies and global advancements. The marine biology program at UCLA is for students who wish to specialize in the field of marine sciences. In addition to learning biology, students gain world-class experience in disciplines such as oceanography, marine organisms and the evolutionary processes of life...... middle of paper ......ject International. Network. February 15, 2014. .UCLA . Mission and values. 2012. Network. February 4, 2014. “Salary Information: Life Scientists, Everyone Else.” Salary Information: Salary Benefits: CareerOneStop. U.S. Department of Labor, n.d. Web. 4 February 2014. .WHOI Sea Brant Program and NH Sea Grant Program. "Career prospects." 2009. Sea Grant Marine Careers. Network. February 15, 2014. .Career." Academic Invest 2010-2013. Web. "How to become a marine biologist - Marine biologist career." Academic Invest. Np, nd Web. February 4 2014.