The Field Excursion courses are courses that are taught mostly or entirely in the field in the disciplines of geology, environmental science, and environmental biology. Students receive credit in courses that are also taught as grounded, classroom classes, but the course is taught in the field instead. Course offerings are generally geologically focused, and include GEOL& 115 (Geology of the National Parks), GEOL& 120 (Volcanoes), GEOL 283 (Regional Geology). If there is an ecology component, NSCI 160 (Environmental Biology) may also be offered.

Trips are about 7 to 10 days in length, and involve travel to exciting destinations such as several of the national parks in southern Utah, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Hawaii, and the Galapagos Islands. For trips not involving air travel, we usually drive by van to the field site and camp. Plans for other destinations are in the works, so please check back periodically for updates.

Do I need to be a Pierce College student to go?

These trips are open to students from other colleges and universities, and the credits are transferable to most institutions of higher learning. You do not need to be a regular Pierce College student to go on one of these exciting experiences.

Can I go if I’m not interested in college credit?

If you are interested in joining us on one of these Field Excursions just for the fun of it, please do! However, the cost is the same as if taking it for credit.

More Information

Please see links to details about specific trips below.

Testimonials

See what others have to say about these trips.

Upcoming Trips

At this time, no decisions have been made regarding trips for the coming year, although several exciting options are being considered. Please check this website periodically for updates and additional information. Thanks.