Marine Science
Applications for Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 is now available!
The following programs are designed to empower high school students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. The goal of this program is to develop problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that will support future career goals and aspirations.
The following programs are designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in collaborative learning, build peer networks, and serve as environmental advocates. Through interdisciplinary, experiential learning, the programs aim to cultivate critical competencies—including problem-solving, organizational strategies, creative thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and leadership—that will support students’ academic advancement and future career aspirations.
Course Progression
Students typically move through the sequence starting with a Tier 1 course, followed by Tier 2 and Tier 3. If you have any questions, please email our department at precollege@ucsd.edu.
Tier 1 Courses
Offer a foundation in ocean sciences and introduce students to marine biology and related fields.
- Application Closed for Fall 2025
- Application Available for Winter and Spring 2026
Tier 2 Courses
Offer advanced, hands-on research experience with SIO graduate students and marine science professionals.
- Application Available for Summer 2026
Tier 3 Courses
Strengthens students’ scientific communication and analytical skills, with an opportunity to publish in the program’s research journal.
- Application Closed for Fall 2025
The application for Winter 2026 closes on January 23rd, 2026. Payment is due within two weeks of acceptance. For students accepted after January 23rd, payment is due by January 30, 2026.
Marine Science Team
Meet the instructors leading our Marine Science program and learn about their research and teaching backgrounds.
Stay Informed
Please be sure to sign up about our future courses and programs. We'll be sure to let you know when upcoming courses are available via email.
Student Research
Curious about what our Research Scholars have accomplished? Take a look at the Student Research Poster Archive to explore past student projects and discoveries.
Other Program Information
Application
Application: Click here to apply!
Space is limited, and students will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are subject to closing earlier should the program meet its enrollment capacity.
- Winter 2026 Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026
- Spring 2026 Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, March 13, 2026
- Summer 2026 Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, May 30, 2026
Payment Deadline: Within two weeks of acceptance, or sooner if the program begins earlier.
For questions, please email precollege@ucsd.edu.
Acceptance
Students will be notified of acceptance within 10-14 days business days of submitting their application until the program is full.
FAQs
What are 90000 level pre-college units?
Are award of completion certificates available?
How do I request an official/unofficial transcript?
How do I access my grade report?
What are 90000 level pre-college units?
Courses numbered 90000-99999 are non-credit-bearing, pre-college-level courses designed to provide an opportunity for students to explore academic interests or prepare for college admission. Research Scholars pre-college units may be transferable for secondary school credit at the discretion of the receiving institution. Students should discuss the transferability of individual courses with the registrar of their secondary school prior to enrolling.
Are award of completion certificates available?
Award of completion certificates are not available for the courses. However, students are welcome to request a transcript or downloand and print their grade report by logging in your MyExtension here.
How do I request an official/unofficial transcript?
For instructions on how to order and pay for an official/unofficial transcript, please click here. If you’ve never ordered transcripts through Parchment before, you will need to register for a Parchment account. Details can be found from the link above. All transcripts will be printed and delivered by one of the methods listed here. Transcript requests are processed by Student Services. Should you have any questions, please contact them at unex-reg@ucsd.edu.
Please note that when grades are not yet posted for the current term, you can still request an official transcript by selecting the "Hold for current quarter grades" option on the transcript request form, which instructs Student Services to wait to send the transcript until all current grades are officially posted to your academic record. This process ensures the transcript reflects your most up-to-date academic performance before it is sent to the requested recipient.
You can also view/download your grade report by logging in your MyExtension here without needing to make a payment.
How do I access my grade report?
Your final grade reports will be available in MyExtension within three weeks after the last day of class. For current blended, hybrid or online courses, you can access grades for individual assignments through Canvas or by contacting your instructor.
Cancellation/Refund Policies
Students will receive a full refund for a cancellation or withdrawl from a course if this is requested 15 business days in advance of a course start date. Refunds are not granted for students who are dismissed from the program.
You can drop courses online in a few easy steps:
- Log in to MyExtension.
- Navigate to "My Courses" and select the course you would like to drop.
- On the right side under "Tools" select "Drop Course."
- In the pop-up window that appears, select "Submit."
Or submit a written drop request:
- By fax: (858) 534-8527
- In person at either Student Services location
- By email: unex-reg@ucsd.edu
You may file a petition for an exception to the refund policy if you are unable to continue enrollment for one of the following reasons:
- Sudden serious personal illness, injury or hospitalization
- The sudden serious illness, injury, hospitalization or death of a close member of your family
- Compulsory military service
- A documented administrative error that affected your enrollment
- Extreme and unusual circumstances which were beyond your control
Refunds will take approximately four to six weeks to process. Refunds are issued in the same method of payment (check or charge) of payment to the program.
Learn More
You can also learn more about the program by visiting our Research Scholars Marine Science website: