First wave deadline
22 February 2026
Application fee rose after this point
In-person Program
Marine Science & Ecology High School Course
A hands-on marine science course combining fieldwork, data analysis and ecosystem study with expert-led career exploration.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Program
Marine Science & Ecology High School Course
A hands-on marine science course combining fieldwork, data analysis and ecosystem study with expert-led career exploration.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
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Marine Science Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
14-18
Location / Region
Santa Barbara, California
Cost
$5,798 residential; $3,298 commuter
Duration
Two weeks
Format
In person
Application deadline
Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Save programBiologyEnvironmental ScienceScienceThe planet & sustainability
Accommodation: On-campus residence hall
Meals: Full board for residents
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recommendation letter
Campus experience: Classes, excursions and workshops
Faculty: Marine ecology PhD researcher
Course supplement: $250 mandatory supplement
Marine Science Course summary
This pre-college course introduces marine ecosystems through field study, direct contact with marine life and practical scientific work.
Students investigate habitats, biodiversity and threats to ocean health while developing sampling, data-analysis and interpretation skills.
It suits students exploring marine biology, oceanography, environmental science or conservation who want applied learning and career insight.
What is Marine Science & Ecology High School Course?
The Marine Science & Ecology High School Course is a hands-on pre-college program from Summer Springboard. It examines marine habitats, organisms, ecological relationships and the natural and human pressures affecting ocean systems.
Students conduct fieldwork, collect and analyze data, study marine vertebrates and invertebrates, and learn from specialists working in the field. The wider campus program combines academic study with excursions, college-readiness workshops and student activities.
Why Succeed highlights Marine Science Course
Fieldwork and direct engagement with marine environments move learning beyond classroom theory.
Sampling, data analysis and interpretation introduce students to core marine research practices.
The course connects ecological science with current challenges affecting ocean health and biodiversity.
Career exploration covers marine biology, oceanography, environmental science and conservation.
Residential and commuter options give families two ways to access the campus experience.
Who is Marine Science Course for?
Best for
Students curious about marine biology, ecology, conservation or oceanography who enjoy practical science and field-based learning.
Not ideal if
You want a credit-bearing course, a fully online experience or a program focused mainly on lectures and examinations.
Is Marine Science Course worth it?
It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test a serious interest in marine science through fieldwork rather than rely only on school-based theory. The combination of sampling, ecosystem analysis, expert insight and career exploration creates useful material for later academic reflection.
The main limitation is that the course does not provide college credit at this campus. Its value therefore depends on active participation and on whether the student can explain what they learned, rather than treating the campus name or completion certificate as the outcome.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,798 residential; $3,298 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals and the academic course., Residential tuition includes excursions and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch, the academic course and excursions., Commuters join weekday programming from 9:00am to 5:00pm., Students receive a completion certificate and professor recommendation letter..
Accommodation
On-campus residence hall
Meals
Full board for residents
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
Two weeks; Santa Barbara, California.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Marine Science Course need?
Effort level
High
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before the published admission deadline to prepare the application, payment and required forms.
Main challenge
Balancing scientific field study with a full residential or commuter schedule.
Typical preparation
Review the eligibility and essential participation criteria with a parent or guardian.
Prepare concise examples of your interest in marine science for the short-answer questions.
Plan for the deposit, application fee, tuition and mandatory course supplement.
International applicants should prepare for the English interview or gather an accepted test score.
Useful if
You are comfortable collecting data, working outdoors and discussing environmental problems.
What do students do on Marine Science Course?
Students combine marine ecology study with practical field and data work, then connect their findings to environmental challenges and possible careers.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Study ocean habitats ranging from rocky shores to coral reefs.
- 2
Examine the biology and anatomy of marine vertebrates and invertebrates.
- 3
Conduct fieldwork and collect information from marine environments.
- 4
Use sampling, data analysis and interpretation to assess ecosystem health.
- 5
Investigate natural processes and human threats affecting ocean systems.
- 6
Meet experts and explore careers in marine science and conservation.
Marine Science Course dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Second wave deadline
19 April 2026
Application fee rose after this point
Final admission deadline
17 May 2026
Latest verified general admission deadline
UCSB Session 1
19-31 July 2026
Two-week Marine Science and Ecology course
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First wave deadline | 22 February 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Second wave deadline | 19 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
UCSB Session 1 | 19-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Open to students in Grades 9-12
Rising ninth graders may apply
Spring high school graduates may apply
Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent
International applicants need English proficiency
Students must meet essential participation criteria
How much does Marine Science Course cost?
Program tuition
$3,298-$5,798 — Commuter and residential options
Funding or discounts
- Course supplement: $250 — Mandatory for this course
- Deposit: $600 — Paid during application
- Application fee: $99-$199 — Varied by application stage
- Alumni scholarship: $500 — Documented for the 2026 cycle
- Early decision discount: $300 — Documented for the 2026 cycle
What's included
Residential tuition includes lodging, all meals and the academic course., Residential tuition includes excursions and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch, the academic course and excursions., Commuters join weekday programming from 9:00am to 5:00pm., Students receive a completion certificate and professor recommendation letter.
How to apply to Marine Science Course
- 1
Open the application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.
- 4
Select UC Santa Barbara, the session, Marine Science and Ecology, and a tuition type.
- 5
Complete the student information and short-answer questions with the student present.
- 6
Submit signed agreements and any requested supporting documentation.
- 7
Pay the deposit and application fee, then submit the completed application.
- 8
Look for the enrollment decision by email after the application review.
What does Marine Science Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Marine ecosystems
Study habitats and organisms from rocky shores and coral reefs to plankton and marine mammals.
Marine biology
Explore the biology and anatomy of marine vertebrates and invertebrates.
Field research
Practice fieldwork, sampling, data collection and ecosystem observation.
Ecosystem health
Analyze data and interpret the health and biodiversity of marine systems.
Ocean challenges
Investigate natural processes and human pressures affecting marine life.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Marine Science Course?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
Course study typically runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Activity or excursion
A recreational activity or academic excursion begins around 1:30pm.
College readiness
Workshops or the True You curriculum begin around 3:00pm.
Residential activities
Residents join clubs or evening activities after dinner.
Who teaches on Marine Science Course?
The named instructor, Julia Cox, is a marine ecology PhD student at UC Santa Barbara whose research examines human impacts on kelp forest ecosystems. Her experience includes SCUBA-based field surveys and previous research work with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Summer Springboard describes its wider teaching model as using industry professionals and expert faculty rather than university students as instructors.
Where do students stay on Marine Science Course?
Residential plan
- Manzanita Village: Students stay in a blufftop residence hall above the Pacific Ocean and campus lagoon.
- Room arrangement: Students share double or triple rooms and bathrooms used by four to five students.
- Meals and activities: All meals, course activities, excursions and weekend excursions are included.
- Campus security: Locked entrances, nighttime safety rounds and campus police support the residence.
Non-residential plan
- Weekday attendance: Commuters attend from 9:00am to 5:00pm and receive lunch.
- Weekend excursions: Commuters may add weekend excursions for an additional daily fee.
Rooms do not have air conditioning, although the coastal climate is described as mild and students may bring a small fan.
What happens after Marine Science Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use field and lab research experience to explore further study in marine biology or ecology.
Build informed interest in oceanography, environmental science and conservation careers.
Receive a completion certificate after finishing the program.
Receive a professor recommendation letter after program completion.
Reflect on fieldwork and environmental analysis in future academic applications.
The course does not provide college credit at UC Santa Barbara.
Where does Marine Science Course take place?
The program is based on the UC Santa Barbara campus in Santa Barbara, California. Students learn on a coastal campus near the Pacific Ocean, with course-related excursions and access to local destinations including the waterfront and downtown Santa Barbara.
Summer Springboard states that the program is not run or controlled by UC Santa Barbara.
Marine Science Course FAQs
Students examine marine habitats, organisms, ecological relationships, biodiversity and threats to ocean health. The subject matter ranges from plankton and rocky shores to coral reefs and marine mammals.
Yes. Students conduct fieldwork, collect and analyze data, practice sampling and learn how scientists evaluate the health of marine ecosystems.
Yes. Residential students stay in Manzanita Village Residence Hall in double or triple rooms. A commuter option is also available.
Residential tuition includes all meals, while commuter tuition includes lunch during weekday programming. The campus dining information lists support for several dietary needs.
The course is for students in Grades 9-12, including students beginning high school in the fall and students who graduated in the spring. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA or local equivalent.
College credit is not listed for this UC Santa Barbara course. Students in Summer Springboard programs receive a completion certificate and a professor recommendation letter.
Residential students receive lodging, all meals and weekend excursions. Commuters attend weekday programming from 9:00am to 5:00pm, receive lunch and may add weekend excursions.
Alternatives to Marine Science Course
Compare these related science programs if you want a different subject emphasis, campus or age range.
Alternatives to Marine Science Course
Environmental science and sustainability in Cambridge
Environmental Science
Deadline: Not announced
From £3195
15-17
St Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK
In-person
Best for
Students seeking broader environmental study beyond marine ecosystems.
Modern science methods and questions
Natural Sciences
Deadline: Not announced
Cost not listed
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Younger students still comparing several scientific fields.
University-style biology study in Cambridge
Biology
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
16-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students who prefer general biology over a marine specialization.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Travel Logistics FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- (1) New Messages!
- (1) New Messages!
- Application and Enrollment FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Program Availability | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- UC Santa Barbara | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Marine Science & Ecology | UC Santa Barbara | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Programs Overview - 2026
- (1) New Messages!
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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Session dates checked
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