Geology Field Camp

Western Colorado University offers two geology field camp options. Both the four credit, four-week, and six credit, six-week, experiences are open to Western students and qualified students from other universities pursuing a degree in geology or geology-related studies. Located in the south-central Colorado Rockies, Gunnison is the ideal location for students to study a variety of geological terranes.

Throughout the Field Geology (GEOL 450) course, students will be introduced to field methods, gain experience with the geologic mapping of sedimentary, metamorphic, volcanic and plutonic terranes, conduct analyses of field data, and write reports that summarize their findings. The six-credit option is offered in two parts: GEOL 450 and GEOL 452. Advanced Field Geology (GEOL 452) will travel to various locations throughout the western U.S. to study geology at a regional scale.

Western’s Geology field courses run from mid-May to mid-June and are offered as two courses: GEOL 450 and GEOL 452.

Geology 450: Field Geology – 4 credit hours

Details: An emphasis on field observation, proper geologic mapping techniques on both maps and aerial photos, and interpretation and synthesis of field data into a report. Different geologic terrains in Colorado or other states are examined. Ideally, this course should be taken during the summer semester, immediately prior to the senior year. Offered annually in May through early June. See application form for dates and costs.

Prerequisites: GEOL 310 and GEOL 345 or instructor permission.

Geology 452: Advanced Field Geology – 2 credit hours

Details: A study of advanced geological field techniques and special field problems that concentrate on the interpretation of rock types and structures, their distributions, and the collection of field data. Students will interpret field data and make connections between their field observations and the tectonic evolution of the western United States. Offered every two years in June. See application form for dates and costs.

Prerequisite: GEOL 450 or equivalent with a grade of at least C- or instructor permission.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available through several sources outside the university. The general time frame for application deadlines vary, please look at the webpage for each scholarship to find the specific due date for any given year. Note that membership in some of the relevant societies is required to apply for the scholarships.

• American Women in Geosciences – AWG Crawford Field Camp Scholarships – Two $750 scholarships
• American Institute of Professional Geologists – AIPG National Scholarship Program –  $1,000 to $3,000 scholarships
• National Association of Geoscience Teachers – NAGT Scholarships for Field Study – Several $500 scholarships
• Geological Society of America – GSA Field Camp Scholar Award –  $2000 scholarships
• Society of Exploration Geophysicists – SEG Foundation Fellowships – scholarships from $500 – $14,000 (not field-camp-specific)
• AAPG Foundation – L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant Program – $500 (not field-camp-specific)

Logistics and Equipment

Western’s field camp includes a mix of projects that are based out of Gunnison and group camping projects. Accepted students will receive a detailed schedule. Housing for non-Western field camp attendees can be arranged in residence halls and in off-campus housing (see below).

Geologic compasses will be provided. Students are required to supply their own personal, field and camping gear. Western students may rent camping gear through Wilderness Pursuits. Fees cover travel and camping costs associated with the field camp. Personal vehicles cannot be used in the field for insurance reasons.

Information for Non-Western Students

Qualified students from other universities are welcome to enroll in Western’s geology field camp. Applicants must have academic preparation in physical and historical geology and should have completed courses in structural geology and stratigraphy.

To begin the admission process, you must complete and submit the field camp application form. Click the button below to get started. Accepted students will receive instructions for finalizing enrollment in the course in mid-April. Submission of this application and acceptance does not guarantee you a spot in the course.

To receive credit for field camp, you must apply and be admitted to Western Colorado University as a non-degree-seeking student. Please check with your home institution to be sure they will accept the transfer credits. Your transcript for the course will be available upon completion through getmytranscript.com and can be sent directly to your home institution’s registrar.

Enrollment is limited. Spots in the course will be filled in order of receipt of the non-refundable registration fee. Students must be approved for admission and submit their registration fee on or before the application deadline (see application form). The balance of field camp expenses must be paid before 4 p.m. on the first day of class (see application form).

Access to residence halls on the Western campus are available by prior arrangement. Contact Craig Beebe in Residence Life at cbeebe@western.edu for more information.

If you have questions about applying or eligibility, please contact Dr. Brad Burton bburton@western.edu.