The Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences (MES) is proud to foster the top marine focused undergraduate program in the country among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Our department prepares students to pursue diverse career paths in the fields of marine biology, oceanography, environmental law, environmental protection and consulting. Our former students currently hold positions in government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions and the industry.

The Bachelor’s degree in Marine and Environmental Science is inherently interdisciplinary, so our curriculum is designed to integrate core concepts across General Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. We believe that active engagement in research provides the best platform for the development of critical thinking, quantitative and writing skills. Therefore, as a requirement for graduation, all students enrolled in our program have to complete a senior research thesis working with a faculty advisor. Upon graduation, our majors are highly qualified to enter graduate schools in areas of oceanography, marine science, and environmental science.

Summer Bridge Program (July 8-26th, 2024)

We are seeking applications for HU MES Summer Bridge field and lab project studying the health of estuaries in the Hampton River.

Application deadline April 19, Decisions by May 1, 2024
– Local Juniors/Seniors High School students
– Limited to a total 10 participants
– $1,000 stipend upon successful participation
– HU scholarships available for BS program in MES
– The program is from 9am – 4pm Monday through Friday
– Lunch will be provided

Activities include:
– Field work, research cruise, oyster restorations, bacterial culture and
– Kayaking with Shored Up
– Professional development, and college preparation

For questions, please contact: marinesummerbridge@hamptonu.edu