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Office of International Programs

United States: Duke Marine Lab

Immerse yourself in marine biology!

Immerse yourself in marine biology!

Immerse yourself in marine biology!

The mission of Duke Marine Lab is education, research, and service to understand marine systems, including the human component, and to develop approaches for marine conservation and restoration.


  • Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
  • Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
  • Professional application: materials edited and submitted on-time and are thorough and thoughtful.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Endorsement from Dr. Fiona Harper - typically this program is only open to Marine Biology majors and minors
  • Required advising session (30 minutes). Please visit our home page to schedule an appointment.

Fall 2024

  • Aug 26: Fall semester begins 
  • Sept 2: Holiday Labor Day 
  • Oct 11: Fall break 
  • Oct 16: Classes resume 
  • Dec 6: Classes end 
  • Dec 11-13: Exams 
  • Dec 14: Residential students vacate dorms by 8:30 AM

Spring 2024

  • Jan 8: Undergraduate Arrival Date
  • Jan 10: Classes Begin
  • Mar 9 - 17: Spring break
  • May 3: Classes End
  • May 4: End of Term - Students vacate dorms by 8:30 am

  • Students participate in a one day orientation to learn about lab safety, campus policies and co-curricular opportunities. Also, students verify course schedule, buy books, go on a canoe orientation, and attend a library orientation and meet the other students studying at the Marine Lab.
  •  Students are responsible for booking their own flights and arranging transportation to the Marine Lab.

Courses are taught by world-renowned faculty from Duke University and other universities and research institutions. The area's system of barrier islands, sounds, and estuaries is rich in flora and fauna, and diverse habitats making the area an excellent haven for those interested in the pursuit of marine science. Common animals include the blue crab, squid, shrimps, snails, clams, ctenophores, jellyfish, hydroids, sponges, polychaetes, sea urchins, starfish, brittle stars, sand dollars, skimmers, terns, gulls, herons, sea turtles, dolphins, and many species of fish.

Fall Semester:

  • Ideal for natural science, environmental science, and pre-health students.
  • Students can take up to five and a half course credits.
  • Elective courses with international travel are an additional cost.
  • Duke Marine Lab Fall Courses

Spring semester:

  • Is a more immersive experience.
  • Students choose one class in each of the four blocks
  • There are Beaufort-based courses with engaging local field trips.
  • Elective courses with international travel are an additional cost.
  • Duke Marine Lab Spring Courses

Transfer of credit

  • Students will need to seek the appropriate departmental approval for all major/minor requirements and approval for General Education Requirements through Student Records. Click here for more information on approving courses to fulfill requirements and other academic policies.
  • Grades appear on the Rollins transcript and are factored into your GPA. Students who successfully complete the Duke Marine Lab program through Rollins will receive an official transcript from Duke University.

 

Housing

Students live in dormitories on the Duke Marine Lab "campus".  The rooms are furnished and linens are available. All housing is dorm style with common bathrooms (separated by gender).

Meals

The Marine Lab Dining Hall serves three meals a day, seven days a week. Three meals per day are provided on the program.

Duke Marine Lab is located at Beaufort, the third oldest town in the state, and is surrounded by fishing and agricultural communities. The area is well known for its historic and scenic attractions as well as being a seaside resort.

  • Courses emphasize fieldwork and students participate in the daily life of an active marine biology research station.
  • The program offers courses with international excursions over the breaks: these are not included in the program fee and are an additional cost.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester.

  • Tuition: $30,290
  • Housing: $5,115
  • Meals/food: $3,295

Also Includes

Marine Lab activity fee, transcript fee, health fee, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

  • Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $500
  • Airport transfers: $50-$100
  • Books, course materials, supplies: $365
  • Personal expenses: $975
  • Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
  • Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0