Semester by the Sea
Faculty Director: Dr. Kurt Bretsch Phone: (631) 632-5156
Semester by the Sea is designed for undergraduate students, or recent graduates, to spend a semester immersed in marine studies while in residence at the Stony Brook Southampton campus.
The Fall Program uses an experiential learning approach, taking full advantage of the Southampton Marine Science Center, its research vessels, its waterfront marine lab facilities, and the unique campus location on the shores of Shinnecock Bay for direct access to coastal waters and the Atlantic Ocean. Students participate in intensive studies focused on the diverse marine habitats of eastern Long Island including bays, estuaries, salt marshes, rocky intertidal zones, dunes, beaches, tidal flats, and the open ocean, as well as on current environmental issues related to these ecosystems. The program also introduces students to the historic and contemporary maritime traditions of Southampton, Long Island, New York, and New England via both classes and focused field trips to sites that have shaped these traditions.
The Spring Program offers additional opportunities for living and learning at the Southampton campus. Students select courses from the exciting curriculum: Marine Conservation, Biological Oceanography, Bioacoustics, Unsinkable Technologies, Biology & Conservation of Sea Turtles, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation, Field Techniques in Marine Mammal Science, and Introduction to SCUBA.
Both the fall and spring programs offer opportunities for involvement in Southampton
marine research labs, internships with local organizations, and limited work-study positions.
Any student may enroll, but the program is best suited for upper level science majors as several of the elective courses have prerequisites.
Visiting (non-Stony Brook) students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and have completed college level biology. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
To enroll, complete the following steps:
- Fill out our information request form
- Select the option below that best describes you:
Stony Brook students can earn a Minor in Marine Science by enrolling in either semester (15 credits) and taking MAR 104 (Introduction to Oceanography) during the fall, spring, or summer. MVB and MAR majors are not eligible for this minor.
Student Testimonials of the Semester by the Sea
What a semester! I have to say, I had an absolute blast in Coastal Cultural Experience. All of the field trips we went on were so much fun. I am so glad I decided to sign up for the Semester by the Sea program, and I will never forget my experiences. - Arielle, Univ of Rhode Island
I wanted to say that this semester has been the best one of my college career. In addition, this semester has been one of the most fantastic educational experiences of my life. - Sal
I woke up every day excited to go to class, which honestly can’t be said very often with any of my other classes. - Allison
It was great to be engaged in a program so rich in the history, culture, science and life of the marine environment. - Sean
Words can not even begin to describe the semester I have experienced at Semester by the Sea 2013! I have had so much fun, met so many new friends, become close with so many professors and have made memories to last me a lifetime. Semester by the Sea has most certainly opened my eyes to the different opportunities and fields within this major (Marine Science). As a result, my plan is to get a Masters in Estuary studies. I hands down consider Semester by the Sea to be my favorite semester at Stony Brook and what a way to start my senior year. - Amy
Semester by the Sea was truly a unique experience. The knowledge gained through first hand experience was incomparable to reading any textbook. - Keri
Semester by the Sea was the best semester I had at Stony Brook, without a doubt. - Ethan
This semester has been amazing!!! - Kayla
I enjoyed Coastal Cultural Experience, it was the most fun I’ve had in a college class (and high school, let’s be real). - Megan
This has been my most memorable semester ever. I have learned so much and had a lot of fun along the way! - Kyle
This course is much more than just a regular visit to a museum; with special access and knowledgeable professors you will learn, see, taste, and experience more than you ever could on your own. This course is the full definition of a "cultural experience" which even a Long Islander/New Englander could be oblivious to. - Peter
The Semester by the Sea Program was a fantastic integration of all things ocean. Either alongside breaking waves measuring a beach's slope to singing chanties aboard a model tall ship, the program created mutualistic relationship between science and humanities. - Kate
Watch this short video to see our students in action and to meet some of our local wildlife.
Follow our Semester by the Sea activities and view photos of students in action on our Facebook page.
For questions about program content, contact the program Director, Kurt Bretsch.