Field Experience
Undergradute field geology experience can be achieved by involving in field research work mentored by a Geological Sciences faculty member, and/or by enrolling in Introduction to Field Techniques (GEOL 380) course, which is required for Geological Sciences - Geology track but could be elective for Geological Sciences - Environmental Earth Science track and/or enrolling in GEOL 455 Field Geology course. GEOL 455 could be elective for both tracks. Take an virtual tour of GEOL 380 class.
Techniques of geological field work. Topics include sampling, rock identification and description, field notes, and the transition from field to laboratory analysis. Field work is required.
Involve with a faculty member in funded or non-funded research related to fieldwork to gather field experience.
A week-long fieldwork at remote locations of the Mojave Desert and Death Valley, California, led by a faculty member as part of the Field Geology course.
Geological field experiences in a variety of settings and locations, designed to teach the hands-on methods of fieldwork and data collection, and the preparation of geologic maps, cross sections and reports
Many of the external field sites below offer 3 and 6 credit hours that are transferable to WKU's GEOG 452 course. In order to get credit for a field course from another institution, you would need to transfer your academic transcripts to WKU. If you have any questions about the field course, please contact the field course professor/director directly.
Not all field experiences are acceptable. Double check with your advisor to verify that a particular field course will be transferable to WKU.
For your major at WKU, you will need to select a single 6 hour field experience, or a take GEOL 380 plus a 3 credit hour field experience.
Outside Field Courses
Due dates are early, usually first come - first serve.
- Geology.com - has a huge list of possible field camps. Check out the locations and prices.
- Illinois State University - north, northwest USA
- Black Hills Field Camps 2015 - looking for a diverse geology experience? 3 and 6 hour options
- Andes Field Work - Run through Cornell University
- Ireland Field Camp - petroleum geology, hydrology, glacial geology, structure/sed/strat/petro
- University of Arizona - 6 credit hours in the southwest
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.