Marine Science

This Pre-College at Eckerd program is the perfect opportunity for high school students to explore marine science as a potential major here at Eckerd College.

As one of the best undergraduate marine science programs in the country, our pre-college program is no different. Modeled after our undergraduate curriculum, students will work with our internationally-recognized faculty on our prime waterfront location on the Gulf of Mexico.

Our hands-on curriculum in the field, on the water and in the lab has activities designed to explore marine biology, marine geology, marine chemistry, and more. 

Students should come prepared to get wet and work hard each day as they participate in indoor and outdoor activities. 

Take a look at our sample schedule to get a sense of the daily activities.

**REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2026**

Registration will open in early January 2026. Sign up for our emails below to receive program updates.

Dates

Session I: June 14-19, 2026
Session II: June 21-26, 2026

Grade level

Students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2026

$2,175

Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.

Program Requirement

Must be able to pass a pool swim test (in order to be aboard our vessels without wearing a life vest the whole time). The swim test is three full laps for a total of 150 yards, without touching the bottom of the pool, using any style and with no time limit. Otherwise, students may still participate fully, but must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft vessel.

Must have active health insurance coverage.

Check-in: Sunday, 2:30 p.m
Check-out: Friday, 2:30 p.m

Required forms

Parent/Guardian Waiver
Medical and Travel Form

Students enrolled in the program may participate in some of the following activities:

  • Catch and release marine fish and invertebrates in local seagrass beds
  • Observe wild dolphins to better understand dolphin ecology and behavior in Florida’s coastal waters
  • Observe foraging shorebirds and identify seashells on local beaches
  • Encounter alligators, tortoises, snakes and birds of prey at a nature preserve
  • Conduct a plankton tow aboard our vessel and examine live plankton organisms under a microscope
  • Gain laboratory experience through fun and engaging lab activities

Eckerd Marine Science in the news

  • Pre-College students walking through Boyd Hill
  • Students at Boyd Hill interacting with snakes
  • Pre-College students listening to professor in lab
  • Pre-College students on a pier, looking at something in water
  • Students with large net in the water
  • Two students holding large net in the water

Room and Board

Facilities

Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275 exit 17.

Directions & Map

Counselors

Residential counselors are with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained current Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Housing

Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls in double-occupancy rooms, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. At least one Counselor will reside in a single room alongside participants on each floor of each single-sex residence hall.

Meals

Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.

Summer Health Protocols

The College may need to implement various COVID protocols at any or all scheduled camps based on the percentage of positivity rates within the United States, the State of Florida, Pinellas County or any surrounding counties.

Faculty

Dr. Laura R. Wetzel, Director
Professor of Marine Science and Geosciences

Dr. Cory Krediet
Associate Professor of Marine Science & Biology

Dr. Beth Forys
Professor of Environmental Science & Biology

Dr. Shannon Gowans
Professor of Biology and Marine Science

Dr. William A. Szelistowski
Associate Professor of Marine Science & Biology

Refund Policy

Withdrawal DateRefund
60 days before start date100%
30 days before start date50%
20 days before start date20%
<20 days before start date0%

Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.

No refund will be issued for the following:

  • If a participant fails to show up for the program.
  • If a participant is dismissed from the program by the College.

Participants who cancel their registration and are eligible for a refund should contact precollege@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8422.

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