This course is for upper level geology majors. The Geology Department at SFASU invites qualified geology majors to join us for a great summer field experience. Our goal is to help geology students make the critical transition from classroom theory to real-world understanding. We use the spectacular setting of the American Southwest as a 'lab' where we teach students the basic skills of geologic mapping. During the five weeks of field camp students learn many techniques that have been used by generations of working geologists. You'll explore geology in areas of compression, extension, shearing, metamorphism, volcanism, and even glaciation. In fact, the last project is mapping glacial moraines in the beautiful La Sal mountains of southern Utah (above). Field camp starts in Big Bend National Park where we measure intensely folded rocks in a narrow slot canyon. Then we head north to the amazing underground world of Carlsbad Caverns. From there its onward to the rugged Gila Wilderness in southwest New Mexico where we have our first major mapping projects. After an intense two weeks in Silver City, NM, we hit the road for the Grand Canyon or other spectacular national parks in the area. Then it's north into the red-rock arches and alpine mountains of southern Utah for our last two mapping projects. SFA is not tied to a permanent field camp, so we are free to travel and work in a variety of geologic settings. The field course lasts 5 to 6 weeks and earns students 6 hours of credit. The student/faculty ratio is low, so students receive a significant amount of personal attention. We usually start in late May and finish around the end of June. Prerequisites are mineralolgy, petrology, and structural geology. Stratigraphy and introductory field methods are also recommended. The estimated cost for Texas in-state tuition and fees is about $1200; Louisiana and Arkansas is about $1400, and other out-of-state is about $2500. Food, lodging, gas and other items can cost an additional $1000 to $2000, depending on your lifestyle. Students often car pool to lower gas costs. Partial scholarships are often available. Students learn so much about real geology during field camp that it is probably the best investment they will ever make in their professional future. Ours is a top-quality, traditional field camp. We focus on figuring out geology in the field -- which is the crucial skill that every geologist needs to learn. Some of the projects can be challenging, but that makes for a great learning experience. There's also lots of camaraderie, laughter and good times. Many past students have told us that this was the best course -- geology or otherwise -- they ever took in college! Field camp is where all that classroom geology finally comes alive! APPLICATION FORM FOR SUMMER FIELD CAMP. The application deadline is Feb 15! For more information, please contact: Dr. R. LaRell Nielson, Field Camp Director & Department Chair Dept. of Geology Stephen F. Austin State University P. O. Box 13011, SFA Station Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3011 Telephone: (936) 468-2248 Email: rnielson@sfasu.edu OR Dr. Chris A. Barker Dept. of Geology Stephen F. Austin State University P. O. Box 13011, SFA Station Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3011 Telephone: (936) 468-2340 Email: cbarker@sfasu.edu See pictures of field camp! Put yourself in the picture! Click here for information about our Weekend Field Trip Courses which are open to non-Geology majors. (These courses include the Hill Country, Galveston, Arkansas, and Nacogdoches Field Trips.) SCIENCE HOME GEOLOGY HOME CONTACT WEBMASTER