Summer field courses (also called “field camps”)
are intensive four to six week courses that teach geologic mapping and field techniques. A field course is not required for the major at Williams, but it can provide vital and significant learning experiences for students pursuing professional careers in the field.
Because of the extensive time spent working outdoors and the opportunity to fully immerse oneself in geoscience, field camps offer unique and powerful learning opportunities. They are required for admission to some graduate schools, and can distinguish your application to potential employers.
Many field camps are taught in the American west, though international opportunities also exist. Some programs travel extensively, often camping en route, while others use field stations or college campuses as fixed bases.
Field courses are targeted at upper-level earth science majors: rising juniors or seniors or recent graduates. Most courses have significant prerequisites such as structural geology, sedimentology and petrology (the equivalents of GEOS 301, 302 and 303). It is common for students to attend field camps that are not taught by their home institution.
Summer field camps can cost up to $5000. Williams Geosciences has several endowed funds that may provide partial scholarships that students may be eligible for up to a year after graduation. Scholarships are often be available from geoscience professional organizations and some host institutions as well.
Below is a list of programs that Williams Geosciences majors have participated in, but there are other great programs out there. If you find one not on this list that you are interested in, contact Prof. Bud Wobus. Note that some programs have application deadlines before the end of the calendar year, and others early in the spring semester.
Albion College
Camp location and accommodations: Wyoming ; college dorms and camping
Prerequisites: 102, 301, 302 and 303 (or permission of instructor)
Duration and dates: 2019 dates TBA
Approximate cost*: 2019 cost TBA
Capacity: 16 students
Application deadline: 2019 deadline TBA
Indiana University
Camp location and accommodations: Tobacco Root Mountains (Montana); dorms
Prerequisites: 102, 202, 301, 302, 303
Duration and dates: 6 1/2 weeks; June 16 to July 30, 2019
Approximate cost*: ~$6675 (Indiana resident ~$5475); 65 scholarships available, average amount $1250
Capacity: 65 students
Application deadline: December 1, 2018
Lehigh University
Camp location and accommodations: Northern Rockies; camping
Prerequisites: 102, 202, 301, 302, 303
Duration and dates: 4 1/2 weeks; late May to July 3 2019
Approximate cost*: $4500; scholarships available
Capacity:
Application deadline: Applications open Nov 15, offers made before Feb 15
Miami University of Ohio
Camp location and accommodations: Dubois, WY; ranch
Prerequisites: 102, 301 required; 302, 303 strongly recommended
Duration and dates: 5 1/2 weeks; June 11 to July 16 2019
Approximate cost*: $5451
Capacity: 30
Application deadline: Applications open late fall, offers made in early Feb
University of Houston/Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association
Camp location and accommodations: Red Lodge, Montana; dorms
Prerequisites: 202 and 301
Duration and dates: 5 weeks; Session 1, June 3 to July 7, 2019; Session 2, July 7 to Aug 10, 2019
Approximate cost*: ~$3800 (Texas resident ~$2870)
Capacity: 20-25
Application deadline: Feb 15, 2019
University of Missouri
Camp location and accommodations: Lander, Wyoming; dorms
Prerequisites: 101 and 301 and at least one of 302 or 303
Duration and dates: 6 weeks; May 26 to July 6, 2019
Approximate cost*: ~$4500 (scholarships available)
Application deadline: rolling
* Cost includes room and board. Travel to and from the camp is extra.
Additional information on field camp as well as a more complete list of camps can be found here.