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JU Marine Science Bahamas Program

The JU Marine Science Bahamas program is a field-intensive course designed for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in the study of tropical marine habitats. This 3-week program is specifically designed to complete Marine Science degree and field study requirements.

Program Description

Students will develop skills in field observation, laboratory analysis, and experimental design while learning to conduct scientific studies in remote conditions. The program is based on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas, which provides a unique and immersive environment for studying marine ecosystems.

Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply for this program. Undergraduate students are required to enroll in both courses for a total of six credits, while graduate students will enroll in a single 3-credit course.

Courses

Undergraduate Courses

• MSC 422: Coral Reef Ecology (3 credits)
• MSC 430: Caribbean Marine Geology (3 credits)

Graduate Course

• MSC 690: Graduate Field Studies (3 credits)

Pre-requisites

• Undergraduate pre-requisites: MSC 111, MSC 112, MSC 113, MSC 114
• Graduate pre-requisites: graduate standing
• All students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Swimming skills are required, and previous snorkeling experience is a plus

Important Dates

• Application and $350 deposit deadlines: February 1, 2026
• Final payment deadline: March 15, 2026
• Travel dates: May 10-31, 2026 (subject to change)

Program Cost

The estimated program cost is $2,500-$3,890, plus airfare. The final cost is dependent on final enrollment, with a minimum of 6 students required.

Included in Program Cost

• Pre-departure and on-site orientations
• Transfer to/from San Salvador airport
• Housing in dorm rooms with 4-6 occupancy
• Meals while on-site
• Classroom space for lectures and class activities
• 24-hour on-site support
• International medical and accident insurance
• Program-related excursions

Not Included in Program Fees

• Roundtrip airfare
• Meals while traveling

Faculty Leaders

• Dr. Jeremy Stalker, Associate Professor of Marine Science
• Dr. Dan McCarthy, Professor of Biology and Marine Scientist

Research Areas

The faculty leaders have research interests and areas of specialization including:

• Hydrology
• Stable Isotope, Ionic and Nutrient Geochemistry
• Coastal Oceanography
• Geophysics
• Forensics
• Marine benthic ecology
• Coral restoration efforts