CBL's primary educational commitment is to graduate education in the marine and environmental sciences. CBL faculty members currently advise over 70 graduate students.

The Laboratory does offer tours, seminars on current research and graduate studies, and field-oriented activities with the oyster reef and plankton communities for undergraduate classes. The UMCES research vessels are well-equipped for research / educational cruises for undergraduate classes.

CBL and Maryland Sea Grant Extension Specialists assist K-12 teachers in integrating results of University-based research in the marine sciences into their existing curricula through graduate courses, professional development workshops, and educational resource materials.