Undergraduate Field Experiences

Apply what you learn in the classroom when you participate in a variety of field experiences made available to our undergraduate students.

Experiential learning is a key component of our program. You’ll learn first hand why it is so great to study Earth sciences as you actually explore the world around you. In addition to gaining hands-on experience with the science, systems, and Earth processes you are learning about in the classroom, field experiences with the Earth and Planetary Sciences department also provide a space for you to connect with fellow students and our prestigious faculty members. There are many options for field experience participation:

Our annual department sponsored field trips
An approved field camp for credit
Summer research opportunities
Field trips throughout the semester in certain EPS courses

EPS-sponsored annual field trip

All EPS concentrators are invited to participate in an EPS-sponsored annual field trip to learn about relevant earth sciences. Undergraduate field trips are led by EPS faculty and staff. Field trip locations include both domestic and oversees locations.

Contact: Campbell Halligan

Field camp

Participate in an approved domestic or overseas field camp for credit as part of EPS 174. Field camp gives students hands-on experience in solving geologic problems in Earth sciences, with students learning methods of obtaining, synthesizing, and interpreting field observations.

Field locations are selected individually by students with the advice and approval of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC).

Contact: Campbell Halligan

Summer research in oceanography or research cruises

If you are interested in the ocean, you can apply for fellowships to do summer research in oceanography or join research cruises through an oceanographic institution, such as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution or the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Contact: Oceanography Committee