Lubchenco graduated with an M.S. in zoology in 1971 and then a Ph.D. in 1975 in marine ecology from Harvard University. Her dissertation dealt with the population and community ecology of rocky sea shores in New England, in particular the role of herbivores, competition among seaweeds, and seaweed defenses against grazers.
Lubchenco's academic journey involved a Master's degree in zoology followed by a Ph.D. in marine ecology from Harvard University. Her doctoral research focused on the ecological dynamics of rocky sea shores in New England, specifically examining herbivores, seaweed competition, and seaweed defenses against grazers.