Undergraduate Programs
The Nicholas School cooperates with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences in awarding six undergraduate degrees, three minors, and one certificate. 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
Undergraduate Certificate
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 Rachel Carson Scholars Program provides Duke University undergraduate students with direct research experience in marine science and conservation. Named in honor of Rachel Carson—a marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose work advanced the global environmental movement—scholars acquire the necessary skills to be the next generation of marine conservation leaders. Scholars engage in faculty-mentored, independent research for at least one semester at the Duke University Marine Laboratory.
The Scholars in Marine Medicine Program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate research experience for Duke University undergraduates who have an interest in the intersection of oceans and human health. Research opportunities span environmental toxicology, biotechnology, and marine pharmacology, with faculty mentorship across both the Duke University Marine Laboratory and the Duke School of Medicine. All scholars are encouraged to spend at least one semester and/or summer term at the Duke University Marine Laboratory.
The Repass-Rodgers Scholars Program provides Duke University undergraduate students with direct research experience in marine conservation technology. Through faculty-mentored research, scholars will acquire the necessary skills to become the next generation of leaders at the nexus of marine science and ocean engineering and will develop innovative solutions to address environmental challenges. All scholars are encouraged to spend at least one semester and/or summer term at the Duke Marine Laboratory.
The Climate Scholars Program aligns with Duke’s Climate Commitment, a university-wide initiative to advance climate solutions. In this program, Duke University undergraduate students focus on diverse perspectives of the climate crisis and carry out faculty-mentored research on climate solutions, impacts, and policy across disciplines. Scholars are required to take two courses in the Earth and Climate Science (ECS) Division, followed by faculty-mentored research.
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 brief statement of purpose, i.e., the reason for taking the particular course and demonstrate a need for the scholarship. The deadline is April 2025. 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.