Marine Science Pre-College at Eckerd Recently Updated

Program dates: Session 1 is June 14-19, 2026 and Session 2 is June 21-26, 2026

Our Marine Science program gives you one-on-one attention from Ph.D. professors from day one. Studying on Tampa Bay means you’ll be out on the water doing the work that professionals do. Our hands-on curriculum in the field (from the shoreline and aboard vessels in Tampa Bay) and in the lab has activities designed to explore marine biology, shoreline dynamics, reef ecology, research techniques and more.

Students should come prepared to get wet and work hard each day as they participate in indoor and outdoor activities. Students will work with our internationally-recognized faculty on our prime waterfront location on the Gulf of Mexico. Students enrolled in this program will:

• Collect, study and release nearshore marine fish and invertebrates
• Observe wild dolphins to better understand dolphin ecology and behavior in Florida’s coastal waters
• Observe foraging shorebirds 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
• Learn about the fragile ecology of coral reefs

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