15 Summer Pre-College Marine Biology Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 25
- 11 min read
If you are a high schooler looking to prepare for advanced academics and college expectations, consider pre-college programs! Hosted by universities, pre-college programs let you explore your interests and gain early insights into college-level coursework, faculty-led teaching, and campus life. You will build practical skills and connect with like-minded peers. If you are interested in marine biology, pre-college programs offer a structured way to explore ocean science. You will study topics such as marine ecosystems, conservation, and climate science while gaining exposure to research environments.
Why should I participate in a marine biology pre-college program in high school?
Marine biology pre-college programs let you build subject-specific knowledge and broader academic skills such as research, data analysis, and scientific communication. You will engage in lab work, field studies, and projects, learning how marine science is studied in college and applied in different contexts. These programs also expose you to career paths in environmental science, conservation, and marine research. You may work with mentors and, at times, produce tangible outcomes, such as research projects or presentations. This combination of academic rigor and experiential learning can highlight your experience and strong interest in the field, helping you stand out in the competitive college admissions process.
To help you identify high-quality opportunities, we have curated a list of 15 summer pre-college marine biology programs.
If you’re looking for online summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA + housing at Christopher Newport University, Newport, VA
Cost: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 students/summer
Dates: Late June – late July (~four weeks)
Application deadline: Early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors nominated by their schools
The VIMS Governor’s School is a selective, research-intensive program that immerses you in real marine science investigations. You will work alongside VIMS faculty on original research projects in areas such as estuarine ecology, marine chemistry, and coastal processes. The program emphasizes hypothesis-driven research, where you will design experiments, conduct field sampling, and analyze data. You will also gain exposure to professional lab techniques and scientific methodologies used in marine research. The experience culminates in a formal research report and presentation, helping you strengthen your scientific communication skills.
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: Varies by program, but marine science tracks typically range from $1,900 – $2,300; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple one-week programs in June; dates vary by track
Application deadline: Rolling (until spots fill)
Eligibility: High school students; grade-level requirements may apply based on track.
Eckerd College offers specialized pre-college programs in marine science and related fields such as Sharks & Rays (Elasmobranch Science), Coastal & Wildlife Ecology, and Marine Science. You will engage in hands-on learning through fieldwork, lab activities, and collaborative workshops led by faculty and guest experts. The program emphasizes small class sizes, allowing for close interaction with instructors and personalized guidance. You will also participate in off-site trips along Florida’s Gulf Coast, gaining direct exposure to marine ecosystems. The curriculum is designed to combine scientific concepts with real-world applications in conservation and ecology.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT; Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT; UConn Avery Point, Groton, CT
Cost: $250 course fees + $50 application fee + $2,350 (residential fees); early bird discount and financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application deadline: June 11 (priority deadline); applications may be accepted beyond this deadline based on seat availability
Eligibility: High school students
This UConn pre-college program focuses on marine animal health and introduces you to veterinary science through hands-on learning at university facilities and the Mystic Aquarium. You will interact with professionals such as veterinarians, researchers, and animal trainers while exploring how marine animals are cared for and studied. The curriculum includes lab work in genetics, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, helping you understand how scientific tools are used to assess animal health. You will also observe feeding and training sessions with species such as penguins, seals, and whales, as well as behind-the-scenes access to animal care and rescue operations. Journal discussions will help you learn to analyze scientific literature and current research topics.
Location: Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX
Cost: $1,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 13; Session 2: June 14 – 20; Session 3: June 21 – 27
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens on November 10
Eligibility: Students, ages 14 – 18; students enrolled in GT, PreAP, or AP courses are encouraged to apply.
This week-long residential camp at Texas A&M University, Galveston, lets you explore marine biology through hands-on fieldwork in the diverse habitats of Galveston Island. You will explore the salt marshes, spend some time aboard a research vessel to collect marine organisms, and visit university labs to learn about fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. One of the key parts of the program is designing and presenting your own research project, for which you will investigate a topic that interests you. The camp is led by experienced instructors and marine science professionals.
Location: Online or UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
Cost: Varies by course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (rolling admissions; limited seats)
Dates: Summer sessions available; duration varies by course
Application deadline: June 5 (or until full)
Eligibility: High school students
The UC San Diego Pre-College Marine Science Program offers a tiered learning structure that allows you to progressively deepen your understanding of ocean sciences. You can begin with foundational courses and advance to hands-on research experiences guided by graduate students and marine science professionals. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, covering topics such as marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science. Advanced tiers focus on research and scientific communication, including opportunities to analyze data and potentially contribute to student research publications. You will also develop skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership through project-based work.
6. O.C.E.A.N.S. (Ocean Career Exploration and Nautical Sciences) Program @ UNC Wilmington MarineQuest
Location: University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Cost: $1,465 academic fee + $2,000 overnight fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots (small groups with ~1:10 staff ratio)
Dates: Two weeks in the summer; exact dates TBA
Application deadline: Two weeks before the program start
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 16, who have completed the 9th grade
The O.C.E.A.N.S. program at UNC Wilmington offers you a career-focused introduction to marine science through hands-on, interdisciplinary activities. You will participate in an oceanographic research cruise, gaining experience working with real marine equipment and field techniques. The program also lets you build and operate a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), applying engineering concepts to underwater exploration. You will explore molecular biology techniques such as gel electrophoresis, as well as study coastal ecosystems and environmental health. Additional modules will cover marine biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications, exposing you to a diverse range of marine careers.
Location: Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI
Cost: $2,195; limited scholarships available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch]
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 18 students/session
Dates: Session 1: July 5 – 11 | Session 2: July 12 – 18 | Session 3: July 19 – 25 | Session 4: July 26 – August 1 | Session 5: August 2 – 8
Application deadline: Not specified (deposit refundable through April 1)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; rising sophomores can also apply, but they will be admitted if space is available.
This week-long residential camp at Roger Williams University lets you explore coastal marine ecosystems along the southern New England coast through a mix of field trips and lab work. During the program, you will go sea kayaking in bay ecosystems, snorkel along barrier beaches and tidal pools, and take a boat trip off Cape Cod to view whales. In the lab, you will explore plankton sampling, shellfish and seaweed biology, and aquaculture. You will also attend guest seminars led by RWU scientists on current issues in marine biology, such as invasive species and marine mammal protection. Each session is guided by an RWU faculty director, three resident assistants who will also live in the dorms with you, and visiting scientists.
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Cost: $1,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens on November 10
Eligibility: Students, ages 12 – 15
This week-long multidisciplinary camp at Texas A&M University at Galveston offers you a hands-on experience focused on the intersection of ocean biology, chemistry, and physics. Throughout the week, you will work in small groups of peers alongside marine scientists and instructors. You will explore environments ranging from plankton to deep-sea habitats, and learn about the animals that live in each layer. You will connect sediment and water samples from the Gulf and nearby bays, gaining real exposure to how scientists study ocean health. You will also run experiments on salinity, temperature, and ocean currents, building practical lab skills.
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: $2,350 (residential fees) + $250 course fees + $50 application fee; early bird discount and financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application deadline: June 11 (priority deadline); applications may be accepted beyond this deadline based on seat availability
Eligibility: High school students with two years of science and math through Algebra II with a grade C or higher
The UConn Marine Biology and Conservation course is a week-long residential program that introduces you to marine ecology. You will conduct hands-on research in Long Island Sound, studying biodiversity, plankton, seagrass, and marine invertebrates through direct observation and sampling. The schedule includes lab experiments, dissections, and data collection using scientific instruments to analyze physical and chemical ocean properties. You will also participate in activities such as fish seining and small-boat fieldwork to better understand coastal ecosystems. The program additionally offers exposure to research and information presentation by letting you learn to develop hypotheses, analyze and present data, and create a sustainability plan for the region.
Location: University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $1,495 (day camp only) + optional residential add-on: $1,395
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 30 students
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens February 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders; participants should be comfortable in the water and able to swim independently
Aqua Bulls Ocean Exploration is a week-long day camp at USF's St. Petersburg campus, where you will learn about marine biology and oceanography through coastal and offshore fieldwork. Each day, you will engage in activities and hands-on field experiences in various ocean ecosystems, including visits to marine-focused labs and agencies and conversations with working professionals in ocean sciences. The highlight of the week is a full day aboard a research vessel, where you will collect and analyze real oceanographic data. You can choose to commute to the program site or stay on the USF campus to experience campus life.
Location: Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Kane‘ohe Bay, HI
Cost: Hawaii residents: $750 | Non-Hawaii residents: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 24 students
Dates: June 1 – 5
Application deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students
The Marine Science Investigations program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers you a hands-on introduction to marine research in a real-world field setting. You will study at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, exploring a coastal ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity. The program emphasizes experiential learning through field observations, lab activities, and data collection. You will learn about marine organisms, reef ecosystems, and environmental processes while developing foundational research skills. The curriculum allows you to engage deeply with marine science concepts over a short period.
Location: University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC
Cost: $6,535 (includes academic, overnight, and vendor fees); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; staff-to-student ratio is 1:8, and 1:4 for SCUBA diving
Dates: Virtual prep week: June 15 – 19; On-campus: June 21 – July 10
Application deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the program; students must be medically approved before registering
Eligibility: Students, ages 16–17, completing 11th grade; students must hold an accredited Open Water Diver SCUBA certification and DAN insurance (master level) prior to attending.
Oceans 17, a part of UNCW's MarineQuest series, is a three-week overnight program where you will conduct real research alongside UNCW marine science faculty, staff, and graduate students at the university's Center for Marine Science. The program begins with an asynchronous virtual prep session, followed by an on-campus experience where you will work in state-of-the-art labs. You will also go on a research cruise, using oceanographic equipment to assess the health of coastal ecosystems. You will additionally earn your PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA certification, completing six dives, including an offshore trip to the Graveyard of the Atlantic (weather permitting). The program wraps up with a research symposium on the final day, where you will present findings from one of the studies you conducted during your time there. Outside of research, you will explore the UNCW campus, meet with admissions staff, and explore Wilmington.
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Cost: $1,075
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 31 – June 6 | July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens on November 10
Eligibility: Students who are 15 – 18 years old
This week-long camp is designed to introduce you to marine mammal biology, conservation issues, and research methods through fieldwork. You will work with professionals from the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network to learn how scientists study the habitat use, behavior, and physiology of marine mammals. You will also explore how marine mammals adapt to and interact with their environment and with one another. Activities like data collection, case study exploration, and conservation analysis will offer insights into marine research. The program additionally offers insights into careers in marine science and wildlife protection.
Location: UT Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX
Cost: $150/five-day session | $130/four-day session); limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students/grade-level group/session
Dates: Week 1: June 1 – 5 | Week 2: June 8 – 12 | Week 3: June 15 – 18 | Week 4: June 22 – 26
Application deadline: Week 1: May 18 | Week 2: May 25 | Week 3: June 1 | Week 4: June 8
Eligibility: Students, ages 10 and up, entering grades 5 through 11
UT Summer Science is a week-long marine exploration day camp hosted at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Led by a UT marine scientist and a program educator, the program lets you explore marine science while working alongside UT graduate students in field and lab settings. Activities include a trip aboard the research vessel R/V Katy to explore local bays and estuaries, as well as hands-on lab investigations focused on real-world marine science. Participants are grouped by grade level, so activities will align with your experience. You can also attend multiple sessions to build upon your understanding without repeating the same content.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.