High School and Pre-College
Summer 2026

Ocean Studies on Cape Cod

Woods Hole, MA

Ocean Studies on Cape Cod

Explore the ocean through science, history, culture, and policy during 2.5 weeks in Woods Hole. Collect biological and geological data in Cape Cod’s salt marshes and beaches, then examine how maritime trade, fisheries, and naval operations shaped the region’s history and current debates over ocean management. Led by SEA faculty with expertise spanning oceanography and humanities, academic programming runs weekdays until 4:00 p.m. from SEA’s Madden Center, with extensive time outdoors conducting field work and visiting local research institutions. Students live in supervised cottages with up to 12 peers, sharing meals in SEA’s dining room and participating in evening activities—study hours, movie nights, community building, beach trips, and bike rides along Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bike Path. Open to all high school students.

Program Cost: $6,975

Research Themes

Biodiversity
Climate Change
Marine Environmental History

Learning Objectives

Students participating in this program can expect the following:

Study Marine Science in Cape Cod's Ecosystems

Investigate marine organisms, ocean circulation, seafloor geology, and seawater chemistry through field and lab work. Collect and analyze biological, geological, and physical data from local salt marsh and beach environments. Complete group projects synthesizing your observations and present findings.

Examine Maritime History and Ocean Policy

Explore Cape Cod’s role in global maritime trade, commercial fisheries, and shipbuilding through visits to maritime museums and working waterfronts. Meet with ocean policymakers, professional mariners, and fisheries representatives. Understand how historical relationships between people and oceans shape current debates over fisheries management, ocean energy, and coastal development.

Connect Science and Society

Understand the ocean as an interconnected system linking environmental and human communities. Use insights from natural and social sciences to examine conservation challenges. Access Woods Hole’s research institutions (Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, USGS, National Marine Fisheries) to see how interdisciplinary approaches address marine issues.

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High School and Pre-College Program

Upcoming Sessions

Program Dates

Jun 22 - Jul 9 2026

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Program Dates

Jul 13 - Jul 30 2026

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Cost & payment

Program Cost: $6,975

Upon acceptance to SEA, families have the opportunity to apply for need-based financial assistance. Financial aid decisions are reviewed on a rolling basis after students have been accepted.
For questions, please contact Financial Aid.
Email: financialaid@sea.edu
Phone: (508) 444-1916
Financial Aid & Costs

APPLICATION PROCESS

We accept summer applications beginning in the preceding fall and encourage students to apply early since some programs may fill before the stated deadline.

Students will be required to complete the following in order to be considered by the application deadline:

  • Biographical form
  • High school transcript
  • One academic reference
  • Short answer essay questions
  • Interview (not applicable for Ocean Studies on Cape Cod applicants) 
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Health & safety

The safety of all SEA program participants and staff is among our highest priorities. To this end, SEA maintains a philosophy of prevention in managing risk in its activities. 
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General Eligibility requirements

All accepted students must meet SEA’s Essential Eligibility Criteria and be cleared to participate by SEA’s medical team.
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