SEA Pre-College: Ocean Sciences in Woods Hole
Oceanography in Woods Hole: A Pre-College Experience for High School Students
This academically rigorous three-week program is for rising juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates interested in pursuing oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, or other related disciplines at the undergraduate level. Students will be introduced to the college experience; they will live and study on SEA’s campus in Woods Hole and attend courses every day, including most weekend days.
The program is designed as a college-level seminar and led by SEA’s PhD-level scientists.
- Prepare for college-level academics and learn from SEA’s PhD-level scientists on our Woods Hole campus
- Deepen your understanding of environmental issues and ocean topics such as coastal ecology, climate change mitigation, ocean-climate dynamics, and marine biology
- Learn advanced oceanographic lab and field research techniques and explore local coastal environments on Cape Cod
Summer 2023 Schedule
July 30, 2023 – August 18, 2023
Location: SEA campus in Woods Hole, MA
Program Expenses: $5,600
Includes room, board, tuition, lab & book fees.
Academic Coursework
Students will explore how interconnected ocean characteristics (bathymetry, seawater chemistry, biological diversity) and processes (plate tectonics, surface and deep-water circulation, biological production) shape global patterns across multiple scales. Students will discuss environmental topics such as climate change mitigation, ocean policy, marine biodiversity, coastal ecology, and ocean engineering. With over 40 contact hours of official instruction, students will be exposed to college-level lectures, laboratory activities, group discussions, and research projects. Students will strengthen their skills in oceanographic research methods, science communication, critical thinking, data visualization, leadership, and more. Another component of this program is visits to local and world-renowned institutions such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Lab, and the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Woods Hole.
Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities
Living in one of SEA’s cottages under the supervision of the resident advisor, students will share all the aspects of community living- cooking, cleaning, group activities, and more. The food is excellent and plentiful! After dinner, students enjoy an evening activity, followed by quiet time to study in their rooms or visit the library, student lounge, or computer facilities.
The resident advisors lead evening and weekend activities. These activities may include team-building workshops, special evening musical entertainment,and off-campus summer activities. Students often play volleyball, soccer, and frisbee on campus as well as explore the local bike path, walking trails, and beaches around campus with the supervision of their resident advisors. Through the various field activities, students have many opportunities to explore various parts of Cape Cod.
