Students taking measurement on the beach

O.C.E.A.N.S.

Senior Programs Ages 14-17 Senior Programs Ages 14-17

O.C.E.A.N.S. stands for Ocean Career Exploration and Nautical Sciences

So you think you want to be a marine biologist? How about an oceanographer? Maybe a coastal water quality specialist? You can explore these marine science career options and more during our two-week O.C.E.A.N.S. program.

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What will students explore and discover?

Complete a half-day oceanographic research cruise utilizing the tool and skill of marine technician.
Use engineering skills to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and complete an underwater mission with a team of scientists.
Experience what it is like to be a molecular biologist and apply gel electrophoresis techniques to organism identification.
Examine the ever-changing coast and learn how engineers and managers make decisions to promote resiliency.
Discover marine products with pharmaceutical potential and learn the process biochemists use to bring them to market.
Explore a variety of marine habitats while performing a comparative biological study as an ichthyologist and botanist while assessing environmental health.
Begin your professional journey as you develop vital marine science career skills.

Program Dates, Tuition, & Registration

O.C.E.A.N.S. Program Dates, Tuition, & Registration
Ages	15 - 16 (must complete 9th grade and turn 15 by the start of the program)
STAFF/STUDENT RATIO	1:10
SCHEDULE	Sunday - Friday (2 weeks including the weekend)
Check-in/out	Sunday 3:00 PM Friday Presentations 1:00 PM
SUMMER SESSIONS	Week 1 & 2: June 8 - 20, 2025 5 SEATS LEFT Week 6 & 7: July 13 - 25, 2025 3 SEATS LEFT
Academic Fee	$1,465
Overnight Fee	$2,000 (includes weekend) Total cost: Academic + Overnight = $3,465 Learn more
LOCATION	UNCW Campus - Loggerhead Hall Check-in
Registration Deadline	You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program.

*Note that prices, content, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Program Questions & Useful Links

How Are Instructors Chosen for MarineQuest?

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.

What can my student expect during the overnight program?

MarineQuest's optional and for some senior programs required overnight programming provides participants with a full pre-college experience.

After the day's activities, students will have free time before dinner. After dinner, students will have fun, community, and leadership-based activities as well as additional opportunities for free time to read, exercise, and more.

Stay overnight with MarineQuest

My Child Will Need To Fly To Wilmington To Attend The Program. How Do I Make This Happen?

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick up and drop off students at ILM. An airport transportation request form is required. In some instances, there may be an additional charge.

More airport Transportation info