SEA Pre-College: Ocean Sciences in Woods Hole

High School and Pre-College Program

SEA Pre-College: Ocean Sciences in Woods Hole

High School and Pre-College Program

An academically rigorous three-week program 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.

SEA’s Pre-College: Ocean Sciences is designed as a college level seminar led by SEA’s PhD-level scientists. While learning advanced oceanographic lab and field research techniques, students participating in this program can expect to deepen their understanding of environmental issues and ocean topics such as coastal ecology, climate change mitigation, ocean-climate dynamics, and marine biology. With over 40 contact hours of official instruction, students will participate in college-level lectures, laboratory activities, group discussions, and a collaborative research project. They will strengthen their skills in oceanographic research methods, science communication, critical thinking, data visualization, leadership, and more. 

Summer 2025

Sessions

Jun 23 - Jul 12
SEA campus in Woods Hole, MA
Jul 21 - Aug 9
SEA campus in Woods Hole, MA
Apply Now

Introduction to Oceanography

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean and covers physical, chemical, biological, and geographical aspects.  

Students participating in SEA’s Pre-College: Ocean Sciences in Woods Hole program can expect to learn more about the following: 

  • Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Explore species diversity, ecological roles, and conservation efforts.
  • Climate Change and Biogeochemical Cycles: Examine the effects of ocean-climate interactions and understanding how human activity impacts overall ocean health.
  • Physical and Geological Oceanography: Gain an understanding on topics such as bathymetry, plate tectonics, water circulation dynamics, and coastal erosion. 

Students will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program; there is no high school or college credit associated with this program. 

Research & Field Experience

Over the course of their three weeks on campus, students will complete a research project on a topic of their choosing. Students will work in small groups to investigate an environmental problem or topic of interest, develop a testable hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and present their findings to their peers, faculty, and members of the surrounding science community. Examples of past research projects include: 

  • The effect of freshwater input and increased precipitation on salinity levels within Waquoit Bay
  • Plankton abundance in the Atlantic and declining whale populations
  • Tidal fluctuation and dissolved oxygen in the Little Sippewisset marshland
  • Pollution sources and microplastic concentrations in the Gulf of Maine
  • Invasive species, sea level rise, and the eroding coastline of Cape Cod

Students will also have the opportunity to visit the local and world-renowned institutions in Woods Hole such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Woodwell Climate Research Center. With exclusive tours of local lab facilities, students will interface with scientists, engineers, marine technicians, and educators to learn about the cutting-edge research happening in this unique science community.  

explore more of our High School and Pre-College Programs

SEA Expedition

High School and Pre-College Program

Summer 2025

-

Learn More

SEA Expedition Pacific: Marine Robotics

High School and Pre-College Program

Summer 2025

-

Learn More

SEASCape: Ocean Studies on Cape Cod

High School and Pre-College Program

Summer 2025

-

Learn More

SEAQuest: Critters, Coral, and Conservation

High School and Pre-College Program

Summer 2025

-

Learn More