If you’re a high school student in Texas with an interest in marine science, a summer program can be an excellent way to build advanced skills and explore the field in depth. Many marine biology summer programs for high school students in Texas offer hands-on exposure to topics like oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, and coastal ecology, often through lab work, field studies, and research projects. By participating, you not only strengthen your academic foundation but also gain insight into career paths in science, conservation, and environmental policy.
Texas is home to several universities, research institutions, and marine-focused organizations that host rigorous summer programs for high schoolers each year. Choosing a local option can be a smart, cost-effective decision, especially for in-state students looking to save on travel or housing costs.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted 15 marine biology summer programs for high school students in Texas, prioritizing those with strong academic components, research opportunities, and access to professionals in the field.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective program that offers one-on-one research opportunities for high school students. During the program, you will be matched with a Ph.D. mentor, who will offer guidance and support as you work on an independent research project. Topics available include psychology, physics, economics, data science, biology, and more. By the program’s end, you will get to present your research paper at the Lumiere Research Symposium.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students located anywhere in the world
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduates and offers programs for high school students who are interested in artificial intelligence. As a beginner, you can participate in the AI Scholars program, which will introduce you to the fundamentals of AI and data science. As a participant, you can explore the intersection of marine science, marine biology, sustainability, and more with AI.. However, if you have prior knowledge of Python or have already completed the AI Scholars program, then the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program is for you. You will get the chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on an individual project. You’ll also get access to the in-house publication team, which will help you publish your paper in high school research journals.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Local placement (typically within 45 minutes of your home)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend
Application Deadline: November 22 – January 19
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students residing in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a summer internship that places you with a fisheries science mentor in your area for eight weeks. The program is designed to introduce students to careers in marine and freshwater biology and ensures you gain hands-on experience in aquatic research through field and lab work. In addition to daily work with your mentor, you’ll participate in professional development and receive a stipend. The program culminates in a fully funded trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit at the University of Arkansas.
4. Advanced Coastal Ecology – Sea Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 8 – 14
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14-16
At the Advanced Coastal Ecology Camp, you’ll explore Texas’s diverse coastal and freshwater ecosystems—from Gulf beaches and estuaries to cypress swamps. Through fieldwork and lab sessions, you’ll identify local species, examine habitats, and conduct ecosystem assessments. Activities include guided fishing trips, dissections, and water quality analysis. The program emphasizes real-world ecological research and conservation practices, giving you foundational skills in environmental science while experiencing the outdoors.
5. Fishing Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13-18
Fishing Camp combines science, adventure, and skill-building in the coastal waters of Texas. You’ll fish in bays, beachfronts, and offshore on an 80-mile trip while learning casting, knot-tying, and bait-catching techniques. Daily lessons explore estuarine and marine ecosystems, fish behavior, and conservation through hands-on activities like stomach content analysis and a fish hatchery visit.
6. Oceanography Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 15 – 21
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12-15
Oceanography Camp introduces you to the science behind ocean systems through hands-on experiments, field sampling, and lab investigations. You’ll explore how biology, chemistry, geology, and physics interact in marine environments, studying everything from plankton and coral reefs to deep-sea habitats. You’ll go on field trips to the bay and the Gulf to collect and analyze water and sediment samples. You’ll also conduct experiments on salinity, ocean currents, and temperature, gaining practical research skills.
7. Marine Mammal Workshop
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 1 – 7; July 13 – 19
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-18
Marine Mammals Workshop Camp is a weeklong program for high school students curious about marine mammal biology and conservation. You’ll explore the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of animals like dolphins, whales, and seals, while also learning about the environmental threats they face. Sessions cover topics such as climate change, marine debris, and rescue efforts, with input from researchers at Texas A&M Galveston and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. You’ll engage in hands-on activities, including mock strandings, necropsy labs, and data analysis from real marine mammal cases.
8. Ocean Careers Awareness Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 1 – 7; July 13 – 19
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-18
Ocean Careers Awareness Camp is a one-week program designed to introduce high school students to the range of careers in marine science, conservation, and ocean-related industries. Through hands-on lab and field experiences led by Texas A&M Galveston faculty, you’ll learn sampling methods, basic research techniques, and marine science skills used in professional settings. You’ll also interact with professionals from organizations like NOAA, Moody Gardens, and the U.S. Coast Guard to learn how their work supports marine environments.
9. Ocean Conservation Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 22 – 28
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14-18
During the Ocean Conservation Camp, you’ll investigate how carbon emissions and plastic pollution impact ocean health and biodiversity. Sessions cover topics like the ocean food chain, endangered local species, and the importance of conservation. You’ll take part in a habitat restoration activity to understand the real-world challenges of protecting coastal ecosystems. The program also includes a creative recycling project, where you’ll design sculptures from repurposed materials.
10. Marine Biology Research Camp
Location: Texas A&M University at Galveston
Cost: $1,050
Application Deadline: Registrations open on November 12
Program Dates: June 22 – 28; July 20 – 26; July 27 – Aug 2
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 14-18
During the Marine Biology Research Camp, you’ll explore Galveston Island’s coastal habitats and investigate salt marsh ecosystems, identify marine organisms, and examine their roles in environmental health. Aboard a research vessel, you’ll collect pelagic and benthic samples and practice techniques used in marine field studies. Back on land, you’ll tour university labs and interact with scientists studying fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. The highlight is designing your own research project and presenting your findings to peers.
11. UT Summer Science – Port Aransas, Texas (UTMSI)
Location: Patton Center, Port Aransas, TX (University of Texas Marine Science Institute)
Cost: $150/week; 20 scholarships available via H‑E‑B
Application Deadlines: Based on sessions
Program Dates: June 2 – 6; June 9 – 13; June 23 – 27
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5-11 in the fall
UT Summer Science is a week-long, inquiry-based program hosted by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Each session is co-led by a UT scientist and a program educator, combining field exploration with lab investigations. Throughout the week, you’ll explore local marine environments, conduct real experiments, and learn to think like a scientist. Activities focus on developing problem-solving, collaboration, and research skills, all while deepening your understanding of coastal ecology.
12. Exploring Our Ocean – University of Southampton
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Dates: 4 weeks; Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all
Offered through FutureLearn, this four-week virtual course by the University of Southampton introduces you to ocean science and exploration. Led by marine biologist and broadcaster Professor Jon Copley, the course traces the evolution of oceanography and examines how we study life beneath the waves. You’ll explore topics like seafloor mapping, water circulation, and the physical properties of the ocean. Lessons also cover ecological zones from coral reefs to polar seas and deep-sea habitats, focusing on how marine organisms adapt to their environments. Environmental concerns—such as ocean pollution and plastic waste—are woven into the content.
13. The Oceans – The Open University
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all
This introductory course by The Open University explores the vital role oceans play in Earth’s systems. You’ll examine how oceans influence climate, support biodiversity, and shape our planet’s physical features. Topics include mapping techniques, salinity and temperature measurements, and how ocean currents circulate energy around the globe. Through interactive modules, you’ll develop the ability to interpret marine data and understand large-scale oceanic patterns.
14. The Underwater World Online Course – Marine Biology
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all
This course introduces the foundations of marine biology, with a focus on life in underwater ecosystems. You’ll explore coral reefs, oceanic food webs, and the biological relationships that sustain marine life. The content covers both broad ecological principles and specific marine organisms. Regularly updated lessons ensure the material stays aligned with current scientific understanding. It’s a flexible, beginner-friendly course you can take at your own pace.
15. Tropical Coastal Systems – edX (University of Queensland)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free (paid certificate available)
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Dates: Self-paced; Approximately 9 weeks
Eligibility: Open to all; High school science recommended
TROPIC101x is a University of Queensland course focused on the science and conservation of tropical coastal habitats. Taught by experts and filmed on-site at the Great Barrier Reef, the course blends academic learning with field-based insights. You’ll study coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, examining the threats they face from climate change and human activity. You’ll also complete a virtual project simulating ecological research and apply your knowledge through citizen science tools.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Texas A&M University at Galveston