About the Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation Program
Dive into the Future of Marine Conservation
Immerse yourself in a 9-week in-person, journey of discovery and exploration and delve into the intricate world of marine conservation. This program offers a curated interdisciplinary examination of the ocean, as well as the wildlife and communities who rely upon it, and provides participants the opportunity to earn an advanced certificate upon successful completion. Each week addresses a distinct area of study—science communication, biodiversity, ecology and conservation ethics, oceanography and geology, governance, economics, film, and a field-science week on Catalina Island.
Grounded in the program’s core values of interdisciplinary, solution-oriented conservation, the course combines lectures, labs, discussions, fieldwork, and workshops led by faculty and external practitioners. Students develop analytical, methodological, and professional skills by integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives and applying them to real-world ocean challenges. Through collaborative projects and field-based experiences, participants strengthen their ability to design and contribute to creative, effective, equitable marine conservation efforts, culminating in the award of an advanced certificate.
The summer experience consists of one comprehensive course that includes both lecture (SIO-295S and SIO-295LS) and lab components. Students enroll in each component separately for academic purposes, but the program is designed and experienced as a single unified course
Applications are encouraged early, and due by April 30th.
Program Highlights
- Located on beautiful Scripps Institute of Oceanography campus adjacent to a state marine protected area and across from Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA office), you'll have access to diverse resources and opportunities for hands-on learning.
- Learn from 60+ professors, instructors, experts, coaches, and real-world practicitioners in various disciplines, including marine biology, ecology, oceanography, geology, climate sciences, governance, law, Indigenous experience, justice, communities, ethics, economics, filmmaking, and more. You'll grow your professional network through all in-person content.
- The program includes a range of hands-on experiences, such as: expert-led fieldtrips to Torrey Pines SP, San Dieguito Lagoon, Kendall-Frost Marsh; research cruise on R/V Sproul; practical and applied lab sessions in geology, fish, algae, plankton, and more.
- Additional perks include behind-the-scenes guided tours of Scripps Institute of Oceanography Collections, Birch Aquarium, Markerspace, as well as a 6-day fieldwork trip to USC Wrigley Field Station Cataline Island and all-day research cruise on the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul.
Program Objectives
- Introduce (and reacquaint) students to several fields of study relevant to marine conservation in order to build fundamental knowledge, skill sets, and interdisciplinary base.
- Explore marine biodiversity, conservation, and global change through the lenses of natural sciences, economics, governance, ethics, and communication.
- Demonstrate the linkages among various disciplines and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address marine biodiversity, conservation, and global change challenges.
- Create opportunities to apply interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking skills to complex, multi-dimensional marine conservation issues.
Program Structure
This is a single summer course comprised of both lecture and lab components, offered as co-registered classes. While students register for two course numbers, the lecture and lab together are treated as one integrated academic experience.
Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
Required Courses
Additional Program Information
Program Overview
The Summer Course is an intense 9-week program that includes lectures, labs, discussions, field trips, workshops, and exercises. The instructors and guest speakers are university faculty members, external practitioners, and other leading experts. While many topics will be taught in a discipline-specific manner (e.g., ecology, economics, biodiversity, governance, etc.), students will apply this knowledge to practical issues by participating in various interdisciplinary assignments and a final group project.
Participation & Attendance
All students are expected to participate meaningfully each day, which means engaging in class discussions, asking questions, and completing individual and group assignments. Attendance is mandatory. Class generally runs from 9 am – 4 pm, but will start early and/or finish late on certain days, as noted in the syllabus. The Course Coordinator or Course Assistant will remind you of these dates. Some coursework, cruises, and field trips are scheduled over weekends. These are mandatory activities, not elective. Please plan accordingly.
Students are allowed two (excused or unexcused) absences for the Summer Course without loss of attendance/participation points. Absences beyond two will result in a deduction of attendance/participation points. Communication is key!
Assignments
Students will be assigned interdisciplinary and discipline-specific assignments, many of which focus on the Summer Course theme. Students will work individually and in groups. For most assignments, the instructors will evaluate both the ability to communicate effectively and the demonstrated grasp and accuracy of the substantive knowledge. The course will include a final project that spans the length of the summer. The final project will allow students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
Program Instructor
Summer Webb, Ph.D
Summer Course Instructor
Masters of Advanced Studies Program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation
Summer is an educator and marine biologist from San Diego, CA, where she grew up going to the tide pools and fishing. She earned her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, in 2022 where her research interests included organismal biology, ecology and climate change sensitivity of species. During graduate school Summer discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring students. She is excited to return to Scripps to support students as they begin the MAS program! Summer has 7 years of teaching experience as a Professor of Biology at Mesa College, Grossmont College, and Cuyamaca College, where she has taught courses in general biology, marine biology, biostatistics, and ecology and evolution. Summer has guided undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and career development. She is deeply committed to and actively involved in faculty development and equity initiatives to support diverse student populations in STEM fields.
FAQs
- Statement of Purpose: In ~750 words, describe your interest in this field, demonstrated commitment to the ocean, and rationale for applying to the program. Please explain why you are applying to the MAS MBC Program and what you hope to achieve with this degree.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA
- Resume/CV
- College Transcripts
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): OR Duolingo English Test (DET) for international applicants only
- TOEFL minimum score is 85 (iBT) or 550 (PBT), or 7 IELTS
- DET minimum score is 120 (out of 160)
Students accepted into this program will take the 2 courses alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography(SIO) Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MBC) students. The program will be completed over the established 9-week summer period (June 26- August 28, 2026), by taking the two required classes SIO-295S and SIO-295LS.
To begin your application, click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. If you do not already have an Application Portal and a My Extension student account, you will be prompted to create one for each to complete your application. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at My Extension.
Register at: Apply Now
Select the Program of Interest: Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
Term: Summer 2026
Applications are open until April 30th, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as our available slots may fill. The application includes an application fee of $50 that can be paid with a major credit card. A deposit of $1,000 is required upon accepting the offer of admission. The remaining balance of US $18,995 is due by the start of the program. Payment plans are available.
Upon successful completion of the two summer courses, students may elect to earn a certificate or use the coursework as preparation for applying to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.
This structure allows students to begin with a certificate while maintaining the option to apply to the MAS program in a subsequent academic year.
Advisory Board
Angela Howe, J.D.
David Kline, Ph,D.
Kathryn Mengerink, J.D. Ph.D.
Samantha Murray, J.D.
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