Undergraduate Programs

Majors, Minors & Concentrations

Our broad range of majors, minors and concentrations give you the flexibility to follow your interests and career goals.

Earth & Ocean Sciences

This is the major for students who want to unlock the mystery of how Earth works, advance our understanding of the planet, foster the sustainable use of its resources, and find solutions to climate change and other urgent environmental problems.

Environmental Sciences & Policy

If you’re passionate about the environment, love interdisciplinary learning, and want to use the skills and knowledge you acquire at Duke to blaze new and better approaches to climate change and other environmental issues, these are the majors for you.

Marine Science & Conservation

Oceans cover 71% of Earth, regulate climate, provide food for billions of people, and are home to vast resources and countless species. If you’re passionate about exploring, understanding and sustainably managing our oceans and coasts, these concentrations are for you.

Certificates

In addition to our degree programs, we offer undergraduate certificate programs to enhance your academic experience.

Marine Science & Conservation Leadership Certificate

A six-course certificate program for Duke undergraduates offering leadership skills and an understanding of both natural and social science concepts and practices in the context of marine science and conservation.

Duke Marine Lab Campus

Certificate in Energy & Environment

A six-course certificate program for Duke undergraduates interested in the breadth of issues that confront our society in its need for clean, affordable and reliable energy

Main Campus

Certificate in Sustainability Engagement

A customizable certificate program for undergraduates designed to facilitate learning and research that confronts the interconnections between environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability

Main Campus

Other Academic Opportunities

Group of students in Nicki Cagle program

Career and Academic Innovation and Research Network of Scholars (CAIRNS)

The Career and Academic Innovation and Research Network of Scholars Program provides Duke University undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds with mentoring and training in support of environmental careers.

Graduation 2019 - students seated with cap and gowns

Graduation with Distinction

The Graduation with Distinction program recognizes undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence through the successful completion of a senior thesis based on a substantive independent research project evaluated by a committee of three faculty members.

The Undergraduate Experience at the Duke Marine Lab

For a summer or a semester, you can experience island living and hands-on learning, passionate professors, small classes, low faculty-to-student ratios and the camaraderie of a close-knit community.

Students from all disciplines—not just marine science—shape their experience by mixing field courses, lab courses, lectures and research to meet curricular needs and match personal interests.

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Undergrad Research

Using Drones to Count Penguin Groups

For her independent study during her semester at the Duke Marine Lab, Clara Bird researched penguin populations using imagery from drones. Under the leadership of professor Dave Johnston at the Marine Lab’s Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab, Clara and her classmate submitted their final work for publication.

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Undergrad Research

Saving Endangered Hummingbirds

As an undergraduate, Andrea Kolarova joined the research team led by renowned conservationist Stuart Pimm at the Nicholas School of the Environment. They're working to find ways to save endangered hummingbird species in South America.

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Leading the Charge

You’ll find Nicholas School alums pursuing their passion and making positive impacts worldwide. Our programs give them the foundational knowledge and practical skills to become leaders and innovators in a wide array of fields and sectors.