Newbie seeks help with biology degree!

[Jonathan Whatley]

The PADI credits aren't really worth pursuing, since its just one credit hour per level completed, and that can cost as much as 1000 per level.

Divemaster is 2. Instructor 3 and upper level credit. Trimix 2 and upper level credit.

However if you love diving, may as well. It's probably necessary to dive occasionally if you wanna be a marine biologist.

Or a marine animal trainer for an aquarium, as in the OP. I hope exceptions would be possible if a disability or other condition prevented diving.