Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate
The certificate in Marine Science and Conservation Leadership is designed to expand the academic breadth of Duke undergraduates who wish to pursue graduate degrees in biology, environmental science, social science, and policy, as well as professional careers in medicine and other disciplines. It also fosters leadership skills in communication, management, values, and ethics. Students apply biological and ecological principles to the study of marine organisms and develop and evaluate solutions to conservation challenges.
The Marine Science and Conservation Leadership program is rooted in marine science and conservation and includes studies in a variety of disciplines: biology, earth and ocean sciences, economics, engineering, environmental sciences and policy, markets and management studies, philosophy, political science, public policy, religion, and theater studies. The certificate will provide undergraduate students with leadership skills and an understanding of both natural and social science concepts and practices.
Students enrolled in the Marine Science and Conservation Certificate program will:
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Develop an understanding of scientific and policy fundamentals in marine science and conservation
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Explore the intersection of marine science, marine conservation, and marine policy
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Become knowledgeable about social, ecological, economic, and political aspects of environmental challenges
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Contribute knowledge and analysis to a contemporary policy debate
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Discuss the ethics of advocacy
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Acquire tools, techniques, and perspectives to enhance abilities as leaders and agents of change, with particular emphasis on research methods in social and natural sciences, the political process in the real world, and effective communication skills for scientific, political, and public contexts.
The certificate program requires a residential component at Duke’s Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C., for one full academic semester (fall or spring) or both summer terms. Marine Lab residence features opportunities that bring Duke undergraduates together with local, regional, national, and international leaders in formal and informal settings, as well as special training sessions on leadership skills.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate requires a total of six courses:
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One introductory course (ENVIRON 25 or ENVIRON 101 with permission);
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One leadership, ethics, management, or communication course;
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Two marine science courses (one natural science and one social science);
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One marine conservation course; and
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One capstone course taken during spring of senior year.
No more than three courses may originate in a single department; and no more than two courses that are counted toward the Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate may also satisfy the requirements of any major, minor, or other certificate program. Appropriate courses may come from the course options list or may include other courses approved by the Director. Acceptance into the certificate program does not guarantee enrollment in electives, with the exception of the capstone course. To enroll in the Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate, please download the enrollment form and fax or mail it to:
Katie Wood
Duke Marine Lab
135 Duke Marine Lab Rd.
Beaufort, NC 28516
252-504-7648 (fax)
For more information please contact:
Katie Wood, Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Phone: 252-504-7586, email: katie.wood@duke.edu