Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Field Camp

As a requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at Saint Louis University and as a requirement for most graduate geology programs, students must successfully complete a six to eight-week long field course, also called field camp.  These are often conducted during the summer in the western United States where rock exposures are superior, but some are in the Appalachians and even the Ozarks.  Field courses vary considerably in length, location, content, living conditions and cost.  It is well worth your time and effort to investigate the various field courses offered and to determine which is the best for you.

Field courses can be divided into several different types depending upon the subject studied.  Geological field courses generally concentrate on field mapping, measuring and describing sections, stratigraphy and field techniques.  A few geological field courses specialize in specific topics such as glaciers, volcanoes, hydrology, marine geology, etc.  Biological or ecological field courses stress identification of plants and animals and studying their ecology.  Environmental field courses vary from biologically to geologically oriented. 

Field Camp Listings:
Syracuse University Library A compilation of field study programs offered in the United States and Australia
Wild Rockies Field Institute An independent organization providing field courses throughout the Rockies and Minnesota.