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Why Duke Marine Lab?

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  3. Academics

Why Duke Marine Lab?

Find out why students—from all majors—choose to study at the Duke Marine Lab Campus.

A Welcoming Community of Scholars

What can you expect as a student at the Duke University Marine Lab (DUML)? Students consistently tell us they value belonging to the Marine Lab's inclusive community, forming lasting friendships with both undergrad and grad students, and getting to know their faculty like never before.

students having class on porch at Marine Lab


A Vibe of Its Own

With small classes, one-on-one interaction with faculty, weekly seminars with esteemed scientists and access to world-class facilities, life at the Marine Lab is distinctive.

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

students studying hermit crabs in Panama


Field Experiences Abroad

During the week-long fall break, students can opt to take a half-credit intensive field experience on the coast of Panama. In the spring semester, we offer five travel courses with extended field components in Australia, South Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico/St. Croix and Singapore (additional travel costs apply).

View Travel Courses

person on boat


Undergraduate Research

In the fall, nearly every undergraduate student enrolls in research independent study, joining one of 15-20 faculty-led projects in biology, environmental science and policy, and earth and ocean sciences. 

View Fall 2020 Research Projects

Ricky Romersi on kayak

Why DUML?

“I heard the environment was more relaxed and intimate ... I also had the added bonus of being able to participate in the Oceans and Health Duke Immerse program, which aligned very well with the topics I’m studying.” 

–Ricky Romersi, undergrad
chemistry + environmental sciences

Melissa Marchese in the marshes

Favorite things?

“The small group learning environment, the cats, and the strong sense of community.”

–Melissa Marchese, undergrad
global health + environmental sciences

Nick Alcaraz on coast with seals

Value of DUML?

“The Duke Marine Lab is an outstanding place to study, grow, and easily follow one’s passion.”

–Nick Alcaraz, graduate student
MEM, Coastal Environmental Management

2 students holding turtle

On Travel Courses

"Looking back at the few days we’d had so far on Isla Tiburon, I’m absolutely stunned by the treasures that we had been so fortunate to see, and thankful for the beautiful people from whom I had learned so much."

–Joshua Chin, undergraD

 

Photo: Students in the course 'Community-Based Marine Conservation in the Gulf of Mexico' tag and release turtles in the study of marine protected areas.

Marine Lab campus aerial shot


A Complete Coastal Campus 

The campus has all the things you’d expect at any college—a dining hall, library and student common spaces—plus a few extras like kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and a water view just about everywhere you look.

Undergraduates all live on campus together in one of five residence halls. Classes are scheduled around breaks for lunch and dinner, giving students a chance to meet up for meals.

Take a Virtual Tour


3 students at table
student with hat showing marine animal in hand

curriculum

Courses Open to all majors

Undergraduates from any major are welcome to study at the Marine Lab. Courses fulfill a wide variety of general education requirements and are cross listed with other disciplines such as engineering, public policy and neuroscience. 

Year-Round Courses

The fall semester is a traditional schedule starting in August and ending in December, with one full week for fall break. 

Spring semester is scheduled in five blocks, each running about three and half weeks. Travel courses are offered in each block (extra costs apply), as well as Beaufort-based options. 

The two five-week summer terms feature a suite of experiential marine science courses as well as organic chemistry, calculus, statistics and physics.

Explore Courses


Financial Support Options

Use your Duke financial aid. Duke University students who receive financial aid can apply their aid to study at the Marine Lab and enroll in travel courses. Summer tuition scholarships and residential advisor positions are also available.

Financial Aid & Scholarships


marine lab students

Who Studies at DUML?

undergraduates

Enrollment is open to all college undergraduates. Students from other institutions are also welcome to study with us.

Many students, particularly those in pre-health, natural science and environmental science majors, take advantage of our personalized instruction to fulfill major requirements and explore electives and independent study options not offered elsewhere.

master's students

Many MEM students in the Coastal Environmental Management (CEM) program will spend up to two semesters at the Marine Lab, but you do not have to be a CEM student to take advantage of our coastal campus. 

doctoral students

The Marine Science and Conservation PhD program is offered through the Duke Graduate School via the Nicholas School’s Division of Marine Science and Conservation. PhD Students spend one year in Durham and four years at DUML. 

grid of images

Sign Up for Emails

We regularly visit the Durham campus for info fairs and to meet with students. Sign up for emails to receive event notifications and program announcements.

Join Email List


Enrollment

Did I miss the deadline?

For Duke students in good standing, there are no application deadlines—just send us an email to enroll. Duke students register for Marine Lab classes in Duke Hub during their normal assigned registration window. 

Students from other institutions are welcome to study at the Marine Lab, as well. Non-Duke student enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

How can I fit this into my four years? 

Our academic program staff is only an email away if you are unsure about how to fit in a semester at the Marine Lab. We assist students from all disciplines—including pre-health and engineering—to identify Marine Lab courses that satisfy your curricular requirements. 

Questions?

Please reach out, we're happy to help:

Duke Marine Lab
135 Duke Marine Lab Rd
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-7503

katie.wood@duke.edu


our Mission

The Duke Marine Lab strives to be at the forefront of understanding marine environment systems, their conservation, and their governance through leadership in research, training and communication.
 


Marine Lab

Division of Marine Science and Conservation
135 Duke Marine Lab Road
Beaufort, NC 28516

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