Field Geology Course 

For the 2027 field season we are preparing one five-week, six credit face-to-face course.

Dates: May 17-June 18.

Field Geology (GEO 4960), is a six credit course (semester system) structured to teach students the hands-on mechanics of field work and the preparation of geologic maps, cross sections and reports. This is an advanced level course designed for students who have completed undergraduate geology studies and are able to proceed into advanced mapping, analysis and interpretation of geologically complex terrains.

Students gain experience generating geologic maps and reports using topographic maps, satellite imagery, rock descriptions, geologic compass measurements, and surveying tools.

Exercises include mapping sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, and mineralized terrains, and a week focused on hydrology and geomorphology. All exercises focus on connecting field observations and data to broader tectonic and climatic interpretations. Field localities range from the Basin and Range to the Colorado Plateau, including national parks like Bryce Canyon and Great Basin.

To gain acceptance to the field camp program all students must have taken and passed, or be currently enrolled in, courses in Sedimentology/Stratigraphy and Structural Geology or their equivalents.

The course totals approximately 200 hours of instruction, with classes held from Monday through Friday for five weeks. Weekends are free, and students have the option to explore the spectacular geology, culture, and scenery of the Intermountain West.

How to Apply

After you complete the online field camp application AND submit your transcripts, we will review your application.  The review of applications will not begin until January, 2027. 

If accepted, you will receive an e-mail from one of the field camp directors. Please be patient regarding these emails, as you may not receive notification until December or January. Once you are accepted you will eventually receive further instructions to begin registration and payment for the camp.

Once you receive notice of acceptance you will also received a link to a deposit payment site and an attached PDF form to fill out for admission to SUU for the summer. If we do not receive confirmation of deposit payment you will shift to the waitlist and your spot will go to another student, as we will assume you are no longer interested in the SUU field camp.

Course Information

2024 Course Syllabus

Base Cost Estimate

• 6-credits of tuition (flat rate for summer courses): $2016
• SUU general fees plus Field Camp fees: approximately $900

Tuition and fees include class transportation while at camp and use of most equipment (transit compass, pocket stereo, Jacob Staff, tapes, aerial photos, topographic maps, clipboard, hard hat, safety glasses, and GPS units). A $200.00 deposit will be required once your application is accepted. The remaining fees are due in early May.

If you have been notified of acceptance to Field Geology, you will receive an authorization code to pay your deposit.  Once you receive your code please click on this link to access the deposit payment site:   Field Geology Deposit

When you make tuition and fees payments you will primarily deal with the SUU cashier's office.

Additional Costs: Housing and Food

Students are responsible for their own food. This allows for menu flexibility for cost, health, and cultural preferences.  Cook stoves are provided.

Weekly campground costs are included when we are in the field, but housing in Cedar City and all food are not included in the cost of the field camp. Information about housing options can be found on the  SUU Housing website.

Students must provide their own camping equipment, but you do not need expensive gear! We recognize even basic gear can still be large additional cost and are working to lower those costs with rented and borrowed gear for students.

Additional Costs: Travel

Students in the Face-to-Face session must arrive in Cedar City by the evening before the start of each session.  Students who live in the dorms during the field camp have access to student parking for personal vehicles.  All transportation during camp activities takes place in university vehicles.

Facilities

Headquarters for this course is the campus of Southern Utah University. Facilities include dormitories ( SUU Housing website), physical education facilities, computer laboratories, and other typical campus facilities.

Personal Equipment

Each student will need at least the following personal equipment: a geology pick, 10x hand lens, day pack, hydration gear, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag, sturdy hiking shoes, and field clothes. The terrain will be rough and the weather hot. A more complete equipment list is available by clicking the syllabus link above and will also be provided with your acceptance letter to the program.  Students are responsible for their own meals; cooking equipment can be provided upon request.

Health Insurance

A personal health insurance policy is strongly encouraged as you are not covered by the University during non-classroom hours. 

Once accepted to the course, all students should fill out a health history form and the SUU liability waiver and email scanned copies to the lead faculty member listed for the correct session of the camp (contact information below). 

Area Information

Southern Utah University is located in the heart of one of the world’s most varied geological areas. Cedar City is within 1-3 hours of national parks such as Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Great Basin, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as Cedar Breaks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The main unit of the Grand Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks are also within reasonable driving distance, Las Vegas is only 2.5 hours away, and Utah has a series of excellent natural history museums throughout the state.

Faculty Information: