Field Studies & Study Abroad
All B.S. Geology (GEOL) and B.S. Environmental Geosciences (GENV) majors are required to take a 4-credit Field Studies course. Courses are offered during Maymester, Summer I, or Summer II. Students have the option to take a Field Studies course based in the U.S. or abroad, depending on their interests. Note that students who choose to take a Field Studies course abroad must complete a study abroad application and complete any required study abroad forms. Non-Geology majors are allowed to take a Field Studies course as long as they have taken the required prerequisites. Students are allowed (and encouraged) to study abroad in addition to Field Studies courses through the College of Charleston's Center for International Education.
Summer 2023 Field Studies Courses
- Dates: June 30 – July 26
- Instructor: Dr. Adem Ali
- View program information on the Center for International Education website.
- Dates: May 25 – June 12
- Instructor: Dr. John Chadwick
- Apply by January 23
Field Studies Courses Offered in Summer 2022
- Dates: May 17 – June 4
- Instructor: Dr. John Chadwick
- Course fee: $1,000 - $1,250
- Student count range: 16-20
- Dates: July 11 - July 30
- Instructor: Dr. Vijay Vulava
- Course fee: $1,360 - $1,460
- Student count range: 7-12
GEOL 366: Field Studies Geology and Paleontology Wyoming (overview)
- Dates: May 17 - June 7
- Instructor: Dr. Scott Persons
- Course fee: $1,455 - $2,643
- Student count range: 7-11
Field Studies Courses Offered in Summer 2021
Summer 2021 Field Studies were virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions.
There are 3 courses that can be taken, and each are 2 credit hours. Students who plan to graduate in Spring 2021, Summer 2021, or Fall 2021 should register for any combination of TWO of these courses. These TWO courses will satisfy the 4-credit hour Field Studies Requirement.
GEOL 395-01: Field Studies Geology- Summer II, 2021 (July 13 - August 11)
- Virtual trip to Yellowstone, Grant Teton, and Craters of the Moon National Parks
- with Dr. John Chadwick
- Flyer
- Summer II, 2021 (July 13 - August 11)
- Virtual dinosaur expedition through the Badlands and Thermopolis Hot Springs of Wyoming
- with Dr. Scott Persons
- Flyer
- Summer II, 2021 (July 13 - August 11)
- Virtual exposé of the environmental injustices that persist in South Africa
- with Dr. Adem Ali
- Flyer
Field Studies - U.S.
New Mexico, Utah, & Colorado
Dr. John Chadwick leads this yearly program through the American West. Students receive 4 credits in GEOL 360: Field Studies.
Wyoming
First offered in Summer 2020, this version of the Field Studies course, led by Dr. Scott Persons takes students on an adventure through the Badlands of Wyoming. Students will receive 4 credits for GEOL 366: Geology and Paleontology.
Field Studies - Abroad
The Department offers a number of study abroad Field Studies courses typically during the summer. They vary by year and new ideas are being proposed and implemented. We also support majors who would like to study abroad for a semester or even a year. We've had students study in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Cuba, Mongolia, and many more locations!
Information on CofC's Center for International Education
India
Field Studies program led by Drs. Vijay Vulava and Tim Callahan typically in June of even numbered years for majors, non-majors, and graduate students. Students receive 4 credits in GEOL 364: Environmental Geology and Water Resources in the Developing World.
Ecuador and Galapagos
Field Studies program led by Dr. John Chadwick typically in June of odd numbered years. Students receive 4 credits in GEOL 240: Volcanoes in the Footsteps of Darwin.
South Africa
Field Studies program led by Dr. Adem Ali and Lauren Humphreys for the first time in July 2016. Majors and non-majors earned 4 credits in GEOL 240 or 395: Geology and Environmental Field Experience - South Africa. We're looking forward to continuing this program for many years to come!
Greece
Dr. Scott Harris offered a Field Studies course, GEOL 240: Geoarcheology of Central Greece, in 2014.
