Marine Science

Registration will open early January 2025. Sign up for our newsletter below for program updates.

This Pre-College at Eckerd program is the perfect opportunity for high school students to explore marine science as a potential major here at Eckerd College.

As one of the best undergraduate marine science programs in the country, our pre-college program is no different. Modeled after our undergraduate curriculum, students will work with our internationally-recognized faculty on our prime waterfront location on the Gulf of Mexico.

Our hands-on curriculum in the field, on the water and in the lab has activities designed to explore marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, and more.

Students should come prepared to get wet and work hard each day as they participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Take a look at our sample schedule to get a sense of the daily activities.

Activities

Students enrolled in the program may:

Net off shore for invertebrates in seagrass
Catch and release nearshore marine fish and invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs and zooplankton
Deploy hydrophones to hear underwater sounds, including dolphins, fish and snapping shrimp
Photograph wild dolphins to better understand dolphin ecology and behavior in Florida’s coastal waters
Observe foraging shorebirds and take sediment cores to find their prey on local beaches
Encounter alligators, tortoises, snakes and birds of prey at a nature preserve
Conduct a plankton tow and examine organisms under a microscope

Session I: June 8-13, 2025

Session II: June 15-20, 2025

Students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2025

$2,100

Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.

Program Requirement

Students must be able to pass the swim test, three full laps for a total of 150 yards, without touching the bottom of the pool, using any style and with no time limit.

Required Forms

Parent/Guardian Waiver
Medical and Travel Form

Eckerd Marine Science in the news

Reduce Single-Use Plastics at Eckerd College team educates youth at Jane Goodall event - October 29, 2024
Eckerd College senior joins ‘Florida Undergraduate Research Journal’ editorial board - September 19, 2024
From sea cucumbers to environmental DNA research, new Eckerd College marine science professor brings unique opportunities for students - September 18, 2024

Room and Board

Facilities

Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275 exit 17.

Directions & Map

Counselors

Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained current Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Housing

Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls, double- or triple- room occupancy, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. Counselors will be present in each single-sex residence hall.

Meals

Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.

Summer Health Protocols

The College may need to implement various COVID protocols at any or all scheduled camps based on the percentage of positivity rates within the United States, the State of Florida, Pinellas County or any surrounding counties.