The Shoals Semester Program offers a full semester’s credits to students with the added benefit of only having to take one course at a time. Combine 4 SML courses in one summer, and earn enough credits to replace a regular academic semester, with no overlapping assignments, labs, or exams! The Shoals Semester Program has ‘built in’ breaks to ensure a rest between courses. Room and board is provided during scheduled SML semester breaks, if desired. Students are free to leave the island during breaks or stay and engage in fun volunteer activities and group outings.

What are the benefits you'll receive as a Shoals Semester student?

• Full immersion in your courses with maximum experiential, hands-on education style.
• Close-knit learning environment in an island community filled with fellow students and experienced marine biologists.
• Small classes that enable a close relationship with faculty (4:1 student to faculty ratio). Establish some great references for your future job or graduate school applications!
• Opt to enroll in the Shoals Research Apprenticeship – gain real independent research experience and build your resume!
• Special room and board discounts offered for students taking more than one class.

Financial Support

Financial support is available through SML merit scholarships, SML need-based scholarships, and SML student staff positions. Learn more.

*NEW for Cornell CALS undergraduates:

You can apply your Cornell CALS financial aid package to the Shoals Semester in place of a regular fall or spring semester on campus! This option could help you graduate early or take advantage of an internship or job opportunity available during the academic year. Read the official announcement from CALS. Questions? Email shoals.lab@unh.edu.

How to Apply

To enroll in a Shoals Semster, you should email shoals.lab@unh.edu or contact an SML Academic Coordinator:

• Cornell Students: Dr. Eugene Won, email Dr. Eugene Won
• UNH Students: Dr. Gregg Moore, email Dr. Moore
• All other college students: Dr. Liz Craig, email Dr. Craig

Our Academic Coordinators will walk you through the process of choosing your Shoals Semester courses and creating a summer plan, like the examples below.

Example Shoals Semesters

Design your own custom Shoals Semester to match your indidivual interests or course of study. Here are some examples of potential combinations:

Example 1. Classic biology theory with a vertebrate emphasis

TOTAL = 13 CU/16 UNH credits in 2 months (9 weeks, May 29 – July 31, 2016)

Example 2. The best of SML marine science

TOTAL = 12 CU/16 UNH credits in 2 months (9 weeks, June 12 – August 14, 2016)

Example 3. Calling Cornellians, complete 3 required biology courses in 1 summer

TOTAL = 13 CU/16 UNH credits in 2 months (9 weeks, May 29 – July 31, 2016)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COURSE LIST

Questions? Email shoals.lab@unh.edu.