15 Marine Biology Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
- Stephen Turban
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
If you are a high school student in Texas interested in marine biology, a summer program in the field can be a practical way to get started. Marine biology programs often combine classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork, helping you develop a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, conservation practices, and scientific research methods. Many of them expose you to college-level academics and life while you stay in dorms, work in labs, or collaborate with researchers. Beyond academics, they can help you develop important soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, and offer networking opportunities, all of which are valuable in STEM fields.
If you're aiming for a career or major in marine biology, joining a summer program can be a solid experience without incurring a high cost.
We have listed 15 marine biology summer programs for high school students in Texas. We have focused on options that are rigorous, selective, offer meaningful mentorship or networking opportunities, and are hosted by reputable organizations or universities.Â
15 Marine Biology Summer Programs for High School Students in Texas
Location: Remote 
Application deadline: May/June for the summer cohorts; multiple cohorts each year
Program dates: June to August (summer)
Cost:Â Varies; financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Small group sizes; selective admission
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers one-on-one research opportunities in various areas that you can explore as a high school student. You can choose research topics from disciplines such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work on an independent research project on your chosen topic. At the end of the 12-week program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application, research areas, and program formats here.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18; recommended for students enrolled in GT, Pre-AP, or AP courses
Application deadline:Â Rolling until sessions are full
Program dates: June 22 – 28 | July 20 – 26 | July 27 – August 2
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Small group sizes; selective admission
At the TAG (Talented and Gifted Programs): Marine Biology Research Camp, you will spend a week immersed in field-based and lab-driven marine science. You will spend the week exploring the salt marshes of Galveston Bay, collecting samples aboard a research vessel, and working directly with marine organisms in lab settings. You will have the opportunity to design your own research project around a topic of interest, gaining experience in data collection and presentation. The camp also includes lab tours focused on various species, including fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles. In a small cohort, under instruction from marine science professionals, you will get support while developing a clearer understanding of what studying marine biology in college might involve.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18; recommended for students enrolled in GT, Pre-AP, or AP courses
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: June 8 – 14
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; small group setting
The TAG: Marine Science Research Camp offers a week-long experience focused on scientific exploration and hands-on fieldwork. With an emphasis on mentorship and small-group collaboration, this camp is designed to help you build both technical knowledge and research confidence. You will investigate a variety of marine habitats, from oyster reefs to coastal wetlands, while developing skills in ecological sampling, experimental design, and data interpretation. Under the guidance of marine professionals, you will work on an original research project that you will present to your peers at the end of the session. The program also includes interactive workshops on conservation topics and exposure to marine science careers.Â
Location: Opportunities available throughout the U.S., including in Texas. You will be assigned a mentor within a 45-minute commute from your home.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors + recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
Application deadline:Â January 19
Program dates:Â Eight weeks in the summer; dates vary
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,000 stipend + an all-expense-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit offered
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid internship opportunity for high school students interested in learning about fisheries and aquatic science. Here, you will have access to mentorship from fisheries professionals while you work on projects focusing on marine habitat restoration, protection, and management. The program offers insights into the life of a fisheries biologist and other career paths in the animal and aquatic sciences. Additionally, you will work on tasks such as electrofishing, examining aquatic specimens, processing data, and conducting fish population surveys. You will attend an all-expense-paid four-night trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit to get college prep guidance and explore fisheries as a field. At the end of the internship, you will present your project.
Location:Â Marine Science Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–11, ages 10 and up
Application deadline:Â May 29, June 5, or June 19 (based on the session you choose)
Program dates: June 2 – 6 | June 9 – 13 | June 23 – 27
Cost:Â $150
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Limited to 20 students per grade-level camp
The UT Summer Science program offers middle and high school students practical exposure to marine science. You will join a small cohort for five mornings of fieldwork, lab investigations, and STEAM-based activities, all led by UT scientists and educators. The program includes a research trip aboard the research vessel (R/V) Katy, where you will explore estuarine ecosystems and practice real scientific sampling techniques. Grouped by grade level, you will conduct experiments and collaborate on team projects, while building foundational skills in observation, data analysis, and critical thinking. You will also explore local environments and natural science disciplines in the field and laboratory.
Location:Â University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Eligibility:Â Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Texas residents and 15+ by June 1; preference given to high school juniors and seniors
Application deadline:Â March 23
Program dates: June 9 – July 16
Cost:Â $4,000; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; research placement based on availability and student interests
During the five-week High School Research Academy at UT Austin, you will take part in authentic research within a College of Natural Sciences lab, working in areas such as marine ecology, genetics, biochemistry, or environmental science. You will join ongoing research teams and contribute to real investigations under the guidance of university faculty and undergraduate mentors. The experience includes field and lab work, weekly guest seminars, and a final poster symposium where you will present your findings. You will also earn UT extension credit by completing reflection assignments tied to your research. While the program is non-residential, the on-campus lab time and active collaboration will allow you to explore university-level scientific research.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18, especially those enrolled in GT, Pre-AP, or AP courses
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: July 13 – 19
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; small group enrollment
TAG: Ichthyology Camp offers an in-depth look at the anatomy, ecology, and behavior of fish through a mix of classroom instruction and field-based research. You will take part in seining excursions, fish tagging exercises, and specimen collection on a research vessel, under the guidance of marine science professionals. The program includes visits to local habitats and a behind-the-scenes tour of a marine aquarium, Sea Center Texas, where you will learn about hatchery operations and conservation initiatives. Through direct mentorship and practical lab sessions, you will find opportunities to build both technical and observational skills. The experience can offer insights into marine biology and ichthyology as a specialized area of study.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students who are 15–18 years old
Application deadline:Â Rolling until sessions are full
Program dates: June 1 – 7 | July 13 – 19
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; limited enrollment
In the Marine Mammal Workshop Camp at Texas A&M Galveston, you will explore marine mammal biology, conservation issues, and research methods through interactive sessions and fieldwork. You will work alongside professionals from the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and learn how scientists study the behavior, physiology, and habitat use of marine mammals. Activities like data collection, case studies, and conservation analysis will give you a realistic view of the challenges marine mammals face today. The program focuses on real-world research rather than tourism, offering you insights into careers in marine science and wildlife protection. You will also learn how marine mammals adapt to and interact with their environment and with one another.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: June 22 – 28
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; small group setting
At the Ocean Conservation Camp, you will learn about environmental issues impacting marine ecosystems and explore practical approaches to conservation. The program covers topics like carbon emissions, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss, combining lectures with project work. You will participate in a local habitat restoration effort and create an environmental art piece using recycled materials. Field-based learning and group discussions are led by conservation professionals, offering a mix of science education and community-focused action. This marine biology summer program is one of the few in Texas that allows high schoolers to learn about and engage in activities focusing on environmental impact and sustainability.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students who are 14–16 years old
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: June 8 – 14
Cost:Â $1,050, which includes housing, meals, and materials
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; small group
At the Advanced Coastal Ecology Camp, you will explore the ecological dynamics of Texas’s coastal and freshwater environments through hands-on fieldwork and species identification. You will investigate the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater systems such as estuaries, swamps, and nearshore marine habitats while learning how organisms adapt to both high- and low-energy conditions. Activities include fishing, dissections, and ecosystem surveys that help you develop a clear understanding of environmental interactions and conservation strategies. This program is designed to offer an in-depth ecological learning experience to help you practice and refine your field skills and scientific thinking.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students who are 13–18 years old
Application deadline:Â Rolling until sessions are full
Program dates: Cell Phone—Digital Art: June 1 – 7 | Wildlife Photography: June 8 – 14; July 27 – August 2 | Photojournalism: July 6 – 12
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective, capped at ~20 students per session
The Coastal Photography Camps offer three distinct sessions that blend art, environmental awareness, and hands-on practice. In the Cell Phone—Digital Art track, you will use a smartphone to explore visual storytelling through urban scenes, local parks, and even adoptable pets at the Galveston Island Humane Society. The Wildlife Photography session takes a nature-focused approach, guiding you through locations like Bayou Wildlife Zoo and South Jetty while teaching photo composition and wildlife ethics. If you are more interested in storytelling, the Photojournalism session pairs photography with writing, providing you with real assignments like covering a local pilot or reporting for a neighborhood newsletter. All camps end with a student photo exhibit and art sale, offering you the chance to showcase and potentially sell your work to family and community guests.
Location: Costa Rica’s Atlantic Coast (Veragua Rainforest, Tortuguero National Park, Texas A&M Soltis Center)
Eligibility: Ages 15–18; valid passport required; moderate physical fitness recommended
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: July 18 – 26
Cost:Â $3,100
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; space is limited
The Ecotourism: Costa Rica Atlantic program offers a field-based exploration of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. You will travel across Costa Rica's lush Caribbean coast, visit Veragua Rainforest Park and Tortuguero National Park, and engage in guided studies of native wildlife, including sea turtles, amphibians, and tropical birds. This program blends conservation education with cultural immersion. You will also spend some time at Texas A&M’s Soltis Center near Arenal Volcano, engaging in ecological workshops and research experiences led by scientists. Activities like kayaking and hiking will expose you to the region’s complex ecosystems and the impact of sustainable tourism.Â
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students, ages 15–18
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: July 27 – August 2
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; limited to a small group of students
The Ocean Careers Awareness Camp introduces you to a range of marine-related professions through direct engagement with experts and activities. You will conduct field sampling and lab-based research alongside faculty and marine science professionals while learning about career paths in organizations like NOAA, the Coast Guard, and Moody Gardens. Through structured networking events and discussions, you will gain perspective on roles in conservation, policy, and applied sciences. The program also focuses on skill development, like scientific observation and teamwork, which can be useful in both academic and professional settings. If you are considering a career in marine science, this camp could be a grounded and informative entry point.
Location: Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast (Manuel Antonio National Park, Damas Mangroves, Texas A&M Soltis Center)
Eligibility: Students, ages 15–18; a valid passport is required; moderate physical fitness is recommended
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: June 20 – 28
Cost:Â $3,100
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; space is limited
The Ecotourism: Costa Rica Pacific program offers a guided exploration of diverse Pacific ecosystems, from rainforests and coral reefs to volcanic regions. You will hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, observe native species like monkeys and sloths, and kayak through the Damas mangroves while learning about coastal ecology. The program includes marine science components, such as reef fish identification and conservation, as well as time at Texas A&M’s Soltis Center for hands-on biodiversity research. With activities spread across land and water, you will explore tropical ecology and sustainable tourism in an international setting.
Location:Â Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX
Eligibility: Students who are 14–18 years old
Application deadline:Â Rolling until session is full
Program dates: July 20 – 26
Cost:Â $1,050
Acceptance rate/Cohort size:Â Selective; small group format
At TAG: Veterinary Medicine Camp, you will spend a week exploring the wide range of careers within veterinary science through field visits, discussions, and hands-on experiences. Although this camp doesn’t exclusively focus on marine biology, it does offer insights into the health, care, treatment, and study of aquatic animals. As a participant, you will tour veterinary clinics that work with both large and small animals, observe lab animal care practices, and visit local shelters and rehabilitation centers. The program also includes interactive sessions with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and technicians, offering a clearer view of different professional paths. You will develop a deeper understanding of animal health, welfare, and ethical care as well as diverse career paths in veterinary medicine while gaining practical exposure to real veterinary settings.Â
Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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