Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate

Updated 10/9/2009 (course options)

Open to all Duke undergraduates.

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. To enroll in the Marine Science and Conservation Leadership Certificate, please download the enrollment form or complete the online enrollment form.

Students enrolled in the Marine Science and Conservation Certificate program will:

• Develop an understanding of scientific and policy fundamentals in marine science and conservation

• Explore the intersection of marine science, marine conservation, and marine policy

• Become knowledgeable about social, ecological, economic, and political aspects of environmental challenges

• Contribute knowledge and analysis to a contemporary policy debate

• Discuss the ethics of advocacy

• 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:

• One introductory course (ENVIRON 25 or ENVIRON 101 with permission);

• One leadership, ethics, management, or communications course;

• Two marine science courses (one natural science and one social science);

• One marine conservation course; and

• 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.  At least four of the six courses need to be a the 100-level or above and at least half of the courses must be taken at Duke. Appropriate courses may come from the updated 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 or complete the online enrollment form below.

Submit your Certificate Form online

For more information please contact:
Katie Wood, Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Phone: 252-504-7586, email: katie.wood@duke.edu