If you’re interested in marine biology, a research program studying sharks is an opportunity you may want to consider!
Shark research opportunities for high school students offer you a chance to explore marine science in a hands-on, practical way. These programs often involve fieldwork, data collection, and observation, helping you learn how scientists study ocean life and ecosystems, particularly sharks and their behaviours.
You can learn about different methodologies used in shark biology such as tagging and tracking, population surveys, behavioral observations, and ecological assessments. You can gain hands-on experience in analyzing data such as biometric measurements, environmental parameters, and photographic identification. You also learn skills such as boat handling, scuba diving, using hydrophones and GPS devices, and software such as Geographic Information Systems.
By participating in shark research opportunities for high school students, you get to build skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific methods, all while learning more about sharks and their role in the environment. It’s also a way to see what a career in marine biology or conservation might look like, giving you a clearer idea of your interests and future options.
Here are 15 shark research opportunities for high school students!
1. University of Miami Shark Research & Conservation Program
Location: Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Variable based on participating school.
Program Dates: Between one and three trips per year
Eligibility: Middle and high school students from South Florida that are at least 10 years old can apply.
This program offers high school students a hands-on introduction to marine science through field-based research. During day trips based out of Key Biscayne, you take part in activities like setting fishing gear, collecting data, and assisting with shark tagging under the supervision of SRC scientists, experienced researchers, volunteers, and interns. With a low student-to-mentor ratio, the program emphasizes active participation and learning through direct involvement in scientific work. It’s a chance to better understand marine ecosystems and the role sharks play while working alongside scientists in a real-world research setting.
2. California State University Shark Lab Programs
Location: In person at CSU in Los Angeles, CA | Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Variable based on the type of program selected. You can reach out to [email protected] or more information.
Program Dates: Variable based on the type of program selected. You can reach out to [email protected] or more information.
Eligibility: Two programs are open to high school students.
California State University’s Shark Lab offers a couple of free educational programs for high school students that focus on the connections between shark research and STEM careers. One of the virtual options, Careers in Marine Science, introduces you to the range of disciplines involved in the field, including science, math, and engineering. You’ll hear from researchers about their career paths and learn how your own skills and interests can align with opportunities in marine science. In the other in-person program Shark Data, you will be given actual data sets collected by scientists containing information about the movements and environmental preferences of tagged sharks. You will learn analysis, hypothesis formation, and experimental design.
3. University of Rhode Island Shark Camp
Location: University of Rhode Island, South Kingstown, RI
Cost | Stipend: Free | None
Application Deadline: May 14
Program Dates: July 21 — 25
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors that are residents of Rhode island
This week-long summer program is designed for high school sophomores and juniors from underrepresented backgrounds with an interest in marine biology and related sciences. If selected, you’ll spend the week engaging in fieldwork aboard a research vessel, where you’ll help collect and examine marine species such as sharks, fish, crabs, and squid from trawl samples in Narragansett Bay. The program also includes visits to local institutions like Mystic Aquarium and sessions on college admissions and science-related academic paths at URI. Transportation is provided daily to and from your school.
4. O’Seas Conservation Foundation New York Shark Camp
Location: Montauk Angler’s Club, Montauk, NY
Cost | Stipend: $2900 (First-Timers), $2750 (Returning Campers) | None
Application Deadline: First come-first serve. More details here.
Program Dates: Multiple camps from June to September. More details here.
Eligibility: Students between the 9th and 12 grades
Shark Camp is a week-long field program for high school students interested in marine biology and shark research. Led by marine biologist Dr. Craig O’Connell, the camp includes hands-on activities such as GPS navigation, longline deployment, and shark tagging. You’ll work from a research vessel along the New York coastline, assisting with data collection and the safe handling and release of sharks. Most species encountered are smaller, like dogfish, but there’s also a chance to observe larger sharks such as blue, white, thresher, or sandbar sharks. The camp offers a practical introduction to field research in a coastal marine environment.
5. Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy (CMERA) Summer Program
Location: Clearwater, FL
Cost: $849 per week with early enrollment by December 31, increasing to $949 for payments made between January 1 and March 31; optional housing is available for $345 per week.
Application Deadline: No application deadline specified. Final deadline for late enrollment payments is March 31
Program Dates: Multiple 1–3 week long excursions in the summer. Students can also opt for a 4-week program. More details here.
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors that are residents of Rhode island can apply.
In this hands-on marine research program you’ll be on a boat conducting shark and stingray research — setting gear, tagging animals, and collecting data — alongside participating in lectures on marine life. You can attend for one or more weeks, and each week builds on the last. If you join for one to three weeks, you’ll take part as a Research Scientist, learning about research gear, types and techniques of tagging animals, measurement, and tissue samples. Students attending four or more weeks can take on the role of Chief Scientist, with added responsibilities like leading a team, overseeing data collection, and managing daily research tasks. Optional activities may include a kayak trip and a local beach fossil hunt.
6. Eckerd College Pre-College Program: Sharks and Rays
Location: Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis. More information here.
Program Dates: June 22–27
Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall of the program year
This program at Eckerd College gives high school students the opportunity to study elasmobranch biology through both lab and field experiences. During the program, you’ll attend lectures from scientists, examine preserved shark and ray specimens in a lab setting, and take field trips by boat and along the shoreline to observe local species. The course covers topics such as species diversity, behavior, and ecological roles, while also introducing you to the methods researchers use to study these animals. Expect to spend time both indoors and in the water as part of this hands-on learning experience.
7. Marine Impact Shark Conservation High School Summer Camp
Location: Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
Cost: $2,645
Application Deadline: First-come first serve. More information here.
Program Dates: One week in June — August (tentative, based on previous year’s dates).
Eligibility: Open to students between the ages of 13–17.
This program offers a week-long introduction to tropical marine ecology, biology, and conservation to high school students. In partnership with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, the program combines fieldwork and classroom learning in a coastal research setting. You’ll stay at a functioning research station and take part in daily activities such as snorkeling, beach clean-up, lionfish dissection, and guided exploration of coral reefs and coastal habitats. You will learn underwater field research methods, conduct mini-surveys on the reef, and learn about the terrestrial ecology and history of Little Cayman. Beach games, kayaking, bike rides, and bonfires are also part of this program.
8. Cornell Pre-College: Shoals Marine Laboratory’s Marine Environmental Science
Location: Shoals Marine Laboratory, Appledore Island, Maine
Cost: $1,840 per credit + $225.00 for room and board per night + $400 program fee.
Application Deadline: On a first come-first serve basis
Program Dates: Dates vary between July 28 and August 18 for five one-week courses
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 10-12 | Received a B- or above in a two-year school science course
The pre-college programs at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, Maine, offer high school students the chance to study marine science through college-level courses. You can choose from a one-week course focused on the biology of sharks, skates, and rays, or a two-week course in marine environmental science. Both programs combine classroom learning with fieldwork, including collecting water samples, exploring intertidal zones, and observing marine wildlife like seals, seabirds, and whales. In the shark-focused course, you’ll study elasmobranch anatomy through dissections and learn about their ecological roles. These programs also provide college credit and exposure to research techniques used in marine science, helping you prepare for further study in environmental or biological sciences.
9. UC San Diego Research Scholars: Marine Science
Location: University of California, San Diego. There are online course options available as well.
Cost: $2,000 – $4,800 depending on the tier of course selected. More information here.
Application deadline: No strict deadline, acceptance on rolling basis
Program dates: Tier I: March 31 – May 21 | Tier II: June 23 – July 25 | September 23 – November 24 (tentative, based on last year)
Eligibility: High school students
This program offers a tiered approach to marine science for high school students, combining classroom learning with research experience. In Tier 1, you’ll be introduced to key topics in marine biology, including ecosystems and environmental challenges. Tier 2 involves working with researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on projects such as coastal ecology and coral reef restoration, with some opportunities for remote participation. Tier 3 focuses on developing your scientific writing skills, including the chance to publish in the program’s student research journal. Research topics may include aspects of marine ecosystems that involve shark populations or their habitats, depending on the project.
10. Brown Pre-College Research Methods in Marine Science
Location: Brown University, Providence RI
Cost: $5,534 (residential 2-week program cost) + $150 (course fee)
Application Deadline: May 9
Program Dates: June 23 — July 3
Eligibility: High school students interested in marine science and ecology
Brown University’s Pre-College course in Research Methods in Marine Science offers high school students an introduction to core areas of oceanography — physical, chemical, biological, and geological. You’ll work with faculty, researchers, and Save the Bay staff to learn how scientists collect and analyze marine data, including interpreting findings from peer-reviewed research. You will gain skills and knowledge such as understanding habitat dynamics and data analysis which will be useful if you’re interested in shark research or broader marine conservation efforts. The course emphasizes the role of coastal habitats and estuaries like Narragansett Bay in supporting marine ecosystems.
11. University of Miami Marine Animal Biology and Conservation
Location: University of Miami, Miami, FL
Cost: $9,532 + $450 (Marine Science Exploration Fee)
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: June 30— July 17
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors in high school with a grade point average of at least 3.0 can apply.
The University of Miami’s Marine Animal Biology and Conservation class offers high school students an introduction to marine mammal science through lectures, readings, and field-based learning. You’ll study topics such as taxonomy, physiology, behavior, and conservation of marine mammals, sharks, and stingrays, while also gaining exposure to lectures, discussions, literature reviews, guest lectures, videos, and career guidance. Field trips are a key component, giving you the chance to observe marine mammals in their natural environments. The course also involves practical training concerning research sampling and design, bioacoustics, husbandry, clinical care, and applied behavior analysis.
12. Advanced Marine Science Camp Program by The Acadia Institute of Oceanography
Location: Seal Harbor, Maine
Cost: $3,200 | $3,300 if you opt to earn college credit | Additional $596 fee for four credits
Application Deadline: First come first serve. More information here.
Program Dates: July 6 — 18 | July 20 — August 1
Eligibility: Ages 15–19, with at least one year of science education with lab experience.
In this program, you’ll explore the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of marine ecosystems through field trips to beaches to understand sand movement, study diversity and zonation of tidal pools, sanddollar embryology, and take part in a project designing and maintaining a saltwater tank. The program also includes activities such as whale watching, understanding island geology, dogfish shark dissection, and water testing in somes sound. While not focused specifically on sharks, the curriculum builds foundational knowledge in marine science that can support future research in shark biology. College credit is available through the University of Maine at Machias for an additional fee, and students recommended by program staff may be eligible for scholarships from the College of the Atlantic.
13. Marine Science Investigations at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
Location: Mānoa, Hawai’i
Cost: Hawaii residents: $750 | Non-residents: $1,250
Application Deadline: Unspecified. Check here for updates.
Program Dates: June 2–6
Eligibility: All high school students
The University of Hawai‘i’s 5-day marine science program, held at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, gives high school students an introduction to field and lab research in topics such as marine bioacoustics, coral reef diversity, and neurotheology. You’ll work with scientists on data collection and analysis while studying local marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and the biodiversity of the Pacific via daily 30-minute journeys on the university’s boat. The research skills you gain like species observation, ecosystem analysis, and lab techniques apply to future work in shark biology and broader marine science fields.
14. ARCC Summer: Pacific Marine Biology
Location: California Coast
Cost: $4,395
Application Deadline: First come first serve. More information here.
Program Dates: June 27 — July 10 | July 15 — 28
Eligibility: Students between 6th to 8th grade and 9th to 12th grade
This 14-day coastal California program offers high school students an opportunity to explore marine biology and conservation through a mix of field activities and educational visits. You’ll study tide pools at Point Lobos, snorkel in kelp forests at Channel Islands National Park, and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program includes a whale-watching trip in Monterey Bay, where you may also observe dolphins and sharks, and a stop at a marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. One segment focuses specifically on shark research and conservation. Additional activities such as surfing lessons and hiking in Big Sur cliffs, round off the experience by connecting outdoor exploration with marine science education.
15. Kwiáht Summer Apprenticeships
Location: Kwiáht laboratory, San Juan Islands
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Kwiáht accepts proposals year-round
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: Open to all middle school and high school students, preference is given to those attending schools in the San Juan Islands.
The Kwiáht Apprenticeship Program offers high school students the chance to design and carry out their own research projects with support from Kwiáht staff and access to lab facilities. You can submit a proposal at any time, outlining your research question, chosen methods, and potential mentors. This is a flexible opportunity to gain experience in marine biology and work alongside researchers in the field. For students interested in sharks, the program’s emphasis on independent research allows you to explore related topics if you can come up with a focused question and find appropriate guidance. Scholarships may be available depending on funding.
Bonus —
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Marine Biology Track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $2990 (12 weeks) | $5900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15
Program Dates: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year. The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring from March to June
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Demonstrate a high level of academic achievement. (Note. students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research experience for high school students interested in exploring a specific academic field. You’ll be matched with a Ph.D. mentor and work together one-on-one to design and complete an independent research project. The program spans a wide range of subjects, including marine science, psychology, computer science, engineering, economics, and international relations. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a research paper based on your chosen topic, gaining experience in academic writing and research along the way. You can find more details about the application here!
2. Horizon Academic Research Program — Biology Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,950. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields like biology, data science, and psychology. You’ll work one-on-one with a professor or Ph.D. mentor to design and carry out a research project, either using quantitative or qualitative methods. Over the course of the program, you’ll develop a 20-page research paper that you can choose to submit for publication. In addition to gaining experience in your chosen field, you’ll receive feedback throughout the process and a letter of recommendation at the end of the program. Apply here!
Image source – University of Miami