Undergraduate Programs

The Nicholas School cooperates with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences in awarding six undergraduate degrees, three minors, and two certificates. Courses for the majors are taught by more than sixty Duke professors in twenty cooperating departments and schools. The Department of Biology offers a BS with a concentration in marine biology that is fulfilled by a semester in residence at the Duke University Marine Laboratory—a major facility of the Nicholas School.

Courses for the majors and minors are taught by Nicholas School faculty and professors in cooperating departments and schools within Duke University. Information about these majors and minors is available through the undergraduate office in A101 LSRC (undergradadmin@nicholas.duke.edu) or through the program website at nicholas.duke.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs.

All undergraduate students follow the policies outlined in the Duke University Undergraduate Bulletin.

Majors and Minors

• Earth and Climate Sciences (AB)

• Earth and Climate Sciences (BS)

• Earth and Climate Sciences Minor

• Environmental Sciences (BS)

• Environmental Sciences and Policy (AB)

• Environmental Sciences and Policy Minor

• Marine Science and Conservation (AB)

• Marine Science and Conservation (BS)

• Marine Science and Conservation Minor

Undergraduate Certificates

• Energy and the Environment

• Sustainability Engagement

Academic Recognition

The Sara LaBoskey Award is given annually by the Nicholas School to a graduating senior in environmental science/policy in recognition of personal integrity and academic excellence. The award was established by Vicki and Peter LaBoskey in memory of their daughter, Sara LaBoskey.

The Thomas V. Laska Memorial Award is given annually by the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences of the Nicholas School to a graduating senior in recognition of outstanding achievement and promise for future success in earth and ocean sciences. The award was established by Andrew J. and Vera Laska in memory of their son, Thomas Vaclav Laska.

The Marine Science and Conservation Award is given annually by the Duke University Marine Lab to a graduating senior with a demonstrated passion and commitment to marine science and conservation and the Marine Lab community in Beaufort and Durham.

Financial Assistance

The Duke Undergraduate Financial Aid Office handles all financial aid matters, and the Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction includes information about scholarships available to Duke undergraduates as well as loans and tuition payment plans.

Summer Tuition Scholarships. Duke Marine Lab Summer Tuition Scholarships are available to all students enrolled in marine science summer courses. A student may receive only one summer tuition scholarship per summer. The precondition for review of a scholarship application is admission to a specific summer course. Admission to courses does not automatically imply award of a scholarship; separate reviews are conducted. Please contact the Duke Marine Lab Enrollment Office at ml_enrollment@nicholas.duke.edu to apply for a summer tuition scholarship. Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from academic faculty and a brief statement of purpose, i.e., the reason for taking the particular course and demonstrate a need for the scholarship. The deadline is March 22. Details are available online at nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/academics/undergraduate/scholarships-financial-aid.

The Stanback Fellowship Program. The Nicholas School offers paid summer learning experiences to any currently enrolled Duke undergraduate student through the Duke University Stanback Fellowship Program. Made possible by the support of Fred and Alice Stanback, the program provides students with significant work experience in grassroots conservation, advocacy, applied resource management, or environmental policy. More information is available at nicholas.duke.edu/careers/students/stanback-fellowship-program.