Acadia Institute of Oceanography's Advanced Sessions are pre-college summer courses offered to students age 15–18 who have completed one year of high school science, preferably biology or chemistry. Rising juniors and seniors can take the program for college credit through the University of Maine.
The Acadia Institute of Oceanography, located in Seal Harbor, Maine, offers high school students the chance to explore their interest in marine science during a two-week stay on Mount Desert Island. Advanced sessions are highly academic and require motivated students to complete individual and group assignments about Oceanography.
The caliber of Acadia Institute of Oceanography's students is so well respected that College of the Atlantic, in Bar Harbor, Maine, offers $10,000 annual scholarships to any AIO student who is accepted into their program with a recommendation from one of the Directors (for a total of $40,000).
Two separate sessions are offered each summer, during the months of July and August. Half the spots in advanced sessions is available for college credit from the University of Maine. Students who are applying to receive college credit for the Advanced Program have additional costs. Sessions begin on arrival Sunday after 12:00pm and end on the second Friday between 9:00am and 12:00pm.
Example of a Typical Day in the Advanced Program at Acadia Institute of Oceanography
- 9:00 - 1:00: Water testing boat trip
- 2:00 - 5:00: Beach Profile and Sediment Sorting
- 5:15 - 5:45: Mini seminar based on a marine topic
- 7:00 - 9:00: Rec Time/Lecture: Ocean Evolution
AIO's overnight summer programs are housed in the vintage 1931 Dunham Schoolhouse. A classic American red brick schoolhouse, the building has been carefully restored and updated to offer clean and comfortable accommodations. Three of the large classrooms have been converted into open dormitories and students sleep on bunk beds. The schoolhouse also includes a lecture hall, recreation room, a research wet laboratory, library, nurse's office, dining hall, bathrooms, and showers. The academic schedule of the overnight summer programs with AIO is designed to allow for time each day for recreational activities such as hiking in Acadia National Park, swimming, group games, and visits to local sites. And there is plenty of free time to read, write letters, socialize and relax.
Two week non-credit program: $3,300
Two week for credit program: $3,400 plus the cost of the four credits paid to the University of Maine (which was $596 in 2025)
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