School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences

The Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) is a thriving and energetic place.

Our faculty and graduate students are engaged in cutting edge research both locally and globally, ranging from organic and inorganic compounds in planktonic systems to global climate change, from marine conservation to weather forecasting, and much more.

With a state-of-the-art Marine Sciences Center, our Southampton location offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Visit the main SoMAS site for more information and how to contact us.

 

Looking to dive into the world of marine science this summer?
Our intensive 100-level courses at Stony Brook Southampton are perfect for motivated high school students (ages 16 and up) who have completed high school biology and want to earn college credit, as well as for current undergraduates, graduates, and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge. These two-week courses offer a unique opportunity to learn from experts while engaging in hands-on activities at our waterfront Southampton campus.

These courses each fulfill the SNW Stony Brook University educational diversity categories.

Classes meet for 4 to 5.5 hours each weekday for two weeks, providing an immersive learning environment. Optional housing is available for students. Enrollment for Stony Brook undergraduates begins in early April, with open enrollment for high school students and visiting undergraduates starting in mid to late April. Note: These courses tend to fill quickly!

Explore our summer offerings below:

• MAR 104: Oceanography
• MAR 106: Life in Our Ocean
• MAR 110: Shark Biology and Conservation

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View a photo gallery and read about a sea scallop predation experiment in Shinnecock Bay.

 

Frequently asked questions

• Q – Why does my course payment receipt indicate a 6 week course duration?

  A – The longer period is the 6-week summer two session, within which the condensed 2-week Oceanography course runs.  This is an artifact of University scheduling and you can disregard the 6-week dates.

• Q – I am a high school student who will not attend Stony Brook University as an undergraduate. Are the credits guaranteed to transfer to another school?

  A – The 3 credits are Stony Brook University credits which should be easily transferable to any other school. To confirm, you should contact the school to which you are applying.

• Q – Am I required to live in residence during the course?

  A – No. The University offers housing for students who do not have local housing options, but most local students will live at home.  Note that if you are of college age (17 or older), you can live at the Southampton campus.

• Q – Do I have to be 16 years old?

  A – We prefer students to be at least 16 and recommend that you wait to take the course till then. However, if you are an exemplary 15 year old, can live locally (residence halls are not an option unless you are at least 17), and you can only take the course this summer, you might be able to enroll. You must have your science teacher email a letter of recommendation to Dr. Kurt Bretsch at kurt.bretsch@stonybrook.edu for MAR 104 or Marissa DeBonis at marissa.debonis@stonybrook.edu for MAR 110 and MAR 106. The letter must address your maturity, academic performance, and reason for wanting to take the course.After receiving permission via an email confirmation from Dr. Bretsch or Marissa, fill out this form.

  If you turn 16 between April and the beginning of class, email summerschool@stonybrook.edu  for assistance with registration.

• Q – I have my SBU ID #, why can’t I register for the course?

  A – In order to proceed with the registration process, you may need to clear the holds in your SOLAR account. Please log into SOLAR and go to the Action Center on the left side of the home page. Look to the HOLDS BOX. Click the “view details…” link at the bottom of the HOLDS BOX. Click the link for each of the holds present and follow the prompts and instructions to clear them. Once this is done, you should be able to proceed with registration.  If still unable to register, email summerschool@stonybrook.edu and ask for assistance.

• Q – What do I need to bring for the field trips?

  A – You MUST wear close-toed shoes on the boat and in the water (old sneakers are best). For some classes, you will get IN the water during the Shinnecock Bay trip and appropriate swimwear is required.  Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and layers are highly recommended

For most recent course COST, visit this page

• Estimated costs for 3 credit course are ~$1100 for in-state tuition, ~$3300 for out of state tuition, and optional ~ $800 for 13 days of housing.

• Summer tuition charges will post to your SOLAR account in mid-May. 

For enrollment questions/help, contact summerschool@stonybrook.edu

To ENROLL, follow instructions below:
Select Current Students, High School Students, or Visiting Students from the blue boxes at the top of THIS PAGE.
High School Students: on your page, be sure to scroll down to where you will find “Steps To Enroll”.  The enrollment process might take 3-5 days.

For enrollment questions/help, contact summerschool@stonybrook.edu

Housing at Southampton Campus
If you are 17 or older at the beginning of the course, you can live in the Southampton residence halls during the 2 weeks of the course.

• Click for Housing Information

  SOUTHAMPTON HOUSING; COLLEGE AGED

  • Off-campus shuttle service is not available.  Students should have their own vehicle.
  • Southampton residence halls are suite style with a shared bathroom and kitchen.  Students could be place in room assignments with residents in other Stony Brook Southampton programs.
  • Dining facilities are not available at the Southampton campus.  Students prepare meals in their kitchens.
  • This option is for mature, responsible, independent students.  Be aware that programmatic activities will not be provided outside of the course meeting times.

  TO REGISTER FOR HOUSING: First, enroll in the course.  After you receive your Stony Brook ID # fill out the Summer Housing Application for your course:  

  • MAR 104 (July 8-21), Deadline is June 22
  • MAR 110 (July 22-August 1), Deadline is July 8
  • MAR 106 (August 4-15)- Limited Housing
  • Any currently enrolled undergraduates should fill out Semester by Sea Housing Request Form.

  Students participating in more than one course would need to apply for each course separately.

  Applications must be received no later than two weeks before the course start date.

  • Students will need to agree to the policies and information listed in the Stony Brook Southampton Housing Applications.
  • Housing cancellations must occur prior to arrival. Once a student checks in and receives a key, they are financially liable for the duration of their housing agreement.

  If you have questions regarding housing, contact shstudentlife@stonybrook.edu